Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris on Monday for a high-profile visit, where he attended a welcome dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the historic Élysée Palace. The event, held ahead of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit, saw global leaders come together to discuss the future of AI and international collaborations. Emmanuel Macron personally welcomed PM Narendra Modi with a warm embrace, underscoring the strong diplomatic ties between India and France. “Welcome to Paris, my friend Narendra Modi,” Emmanuel Macron posted, sharing a video of their meeting.
During the dinner, PM Narendra Modi met several global leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance, marking their first interaction since JD Vance assumed office last month. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) shared photos of the three leaders—Emmanuel Macron, Narendra Modi, and JD Vance—engaging in discussions, reflecting the growing importance of international cooperation on AI and global governance. The dinner provided a crucial platform for leaders to engage in strategic discussions ahead of the AI Summit, where artificial intelligence’s role in shaping the global economy and ethical frameworks will be deliberated upon.
Upon his arrival in Paris, PM Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian community. Despite the cold weather, hundreds gathered to greet him, waving flags and chanting slogans. Expressing his gratitude, PM Narendra Modi stated, “A memorable welcome in Paris! The cold weather didn’t deter the Indian community from showing their affection this evening. Grateful to our diaspora and proud of them for their accomplishments.”
This marks PM Narendra Modi’s sixth visit to France, a testament to the deep-rooted bilateral relationship between the two nations. Prior to his departure, the Prime Minister emphasized that his visit would focus on reviewing the progress of the India-France strategic partnership under the 2047 Horizon Roadmap. The roadmap aims to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including defense, energy, and technology.
Following the AI Summit, PM Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Marseille, where they will partake in multiple engagements, including a dinner hosted by the French President in PM Narendra Modi’s honor. A significant highlight of their visit will be their tribute at the Mazargues War Cemetery, which commemorates Indian soldiers who fought in World War I. Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the cemetery stands as a solemn reminder of India’s contribution to global peace efforts.
Another key development during the visit will be the joint inauguration of the Consulate General of India in Marseille, strengthening diplomatic presence and support for the Indian community in France. The trip will conclude with a visit to Cadarache, home to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). India is a key partner in this ambitious scientific project, which aims to harness clean nuclear fusion energy, representing a milestone in sustainable energy research.
The AI Action Summit, set to take place today, will bring together global leaders and top technology executives to discuss advancements and challenges in AI. The summit will emphasize ethical considerations and responsible AI use, positioning it as a pivotal event in shaping AI policies worldwide. The previous editions were held in the UK in 2023 and South Korea in 2024, underscoring the growing international focus on AI governance and collaboration. With India playing an increasingly significant role in global AI advancements, PM Narendra Modi’s participation highlights the country’s commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth and innovation.
As PM Narendra Modi continues his France visit, the discussions and collaborations forged during this trip are expected to have a lasting impact on India’s diplomatic and technological future, reinforcing its strategic partnerships on the global stage
