New Delhi, December 3
French President Nicolas Sarkozy wants to keep his visit to the Taj Mahal with First Lady Carla Bruni a strictly private affair, creating a minor problem for his hosts who have been advised not to allow free access to the media during his tour of Agra.

The French side is learnt to have asked the External Affairs Ministry not to permit lensmen in droves to cover his visit to the city.

The French leader begins his India trip tomorrow with his arrival in Bangalore at 10 am. He will fly to Agra tomorrow evening and spend the night there. He is also expected to visit Fatehpur Sikri.

On the advice of French officials, there will be only one photo opportunity available in Agra for which two photographers — one from each side — will be allowed.

Neelam Kapur, Principal Director General (Media and Communications) at the Press Information Bureau, is learnt to have written to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, informing him about Sarkozy’s desire that he be allowed private moments when he tours Agra and to ensure that he was not trailed by photographers.

Sarkozy arrives in New Delhi on Sunday. The French side, meanwhile, is also understood to have advised Indian protocol officials to ensure that the French President was not surrounded by very tall security personnel when he meets Indian leaders here on Monday.

Sarkozy, who is 5 feet 5 inches, has often shown that he is sensitive about his height.