Paris | February 10, 2025
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in France on Monday for the first leg of his two-nation visit, where he is set to co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and hold high-level bilateral talks. His visit is expected to strengthen India-France ties, particularly in technology, defence, trade, and nuclear energy cooperation.
Modi was received at the Paris airport by French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, reflecting the importance of his visit.
“PM Narendra Modi arrived in Paris to a special welcome. Warmly received by Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu at the airport,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
AI Summit and Bilateral Discussions
Modi and Macron will jointly preside over the AI Action Summit, where global leaders and technology CEOs will discuss the future of artificial intelligence (AI), its regulation, and its role in global innovation. India and France are expected to collaborate on AI ethics, governance, and research, reinforcing their strategic partnership in the digital economy.
Additionally, both leaders will review progress on the 2047 Horizon Roadmap, a long-term blueprint for expanding bilateral cooperation in:
- Defence and Aerospace – including the Rafale fighter jet program and naval partnerships
- Clean Energy & Nuclear Cooperation – particularly in nuclear fusion research
- Trade & Investments – boosting economic ties and foreign direct investment
- Space & Digital Innovation – strengthening cooperation in satellite technology and AI
Modi to Inaugurate First Indian Consulate in France
On Tuesday, Modi and Macron will travel to Marseille, where they will inaugurate the first Indian Consulate in France. The move is expected to deepen India’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Southern France.
The Prime Minister will also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), one of the world’s most ambitious nuclear fusion research projects, in which India is a key participant.
As part of his visit, Modi will pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille.
Next Stop: United States for Talks with President Trump
Following his engagements in France, Modi will travel to the United States for a two-day visit at the invitation of President Donald Trump.
“I look forward to meeting my friend, President Trump. Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US,” Modi said before departing.
Discussions in Washington, D.C. are expected to focus on:
- Strengthening defence ties and India’s role in the Indo-Pacific strategy
- Expanding cooperation in AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies
- Trade and investment, with an emphasis on energy security and supply chain resilience
Strategic Diplomatic Push
Modi’s visit to France and the United States underscores India’s growing influence in global affairs, particularly in technology, defence, and trade partnerships. The back-to-back meetings with Macron and Trump are expected to further solidify India’s role as a strategic ally in the West.
With AI at the forefront of diplomatic discussions, India is positioning itself as a key player in shaping global technology regulations and digital governance.
