By The Sampadak Express
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Paris on Monday to participate in the AI Action Summit and hold crucial bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. This visit marks an important phase in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France, particularly in the domain of artificial intelligence and global cooperation.
Ahead of his departure, Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X, outlining his busy schedule. “Over the next few days, I will be in France and the USA to take part in various programmes. In France, I will participate in the AI Action Summit, where India is the co-chair. I will also hold talks with President @EmmanuelMacron to further strengthen India-France relations. We will be going to Marseille to inaugurate a new Consulate,” Modi said.
Bilateral Talks and High-Level Engagements
During his stay in Paris, Prime Minister Modi is expected to engage in extensive discussions with President Macron aimed at deepening bilateral relations between the two countries. The meetings will include restricted and delegation-level talks to address a wide array of issues, with a primary focus on strengthening technological collaboration, particularly in AI, defense, and clean energy.
One of the significant highlights of the visit will be a dinner hosted by President Macron at the Élysée Palace, which will likely see the presence of prominent CEOs from the tech industry and other distinguished invitees attending the summit. This gathering will provide an excellent platform for networking and fostering greater collaboration between India and France in sectors that are critical to both nations’ future growth.
On February 11, Prime Minister Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit with President Macron. India’s role as co-chair of the summit reflects its growing prominence in the global AI landscape. The summit will discuss key initiatives on AI governance, ethics, and policy, with a view to shaping the future of AI in a responsible and inclusive manner.
Inauguration of the Consulate in Marseille
A key event during the trip will be the inauguration of the Consulate General of India in Marseille, scheduled for February 12, which will be jointly inaugurated by Modi and Macron. The new consulate is expected to strengthen India’s diplomatic presence in the region and enhance consular services for Indian nationals in southern France.
Paying Tribute to Indian Soldiers in Marseille
Another poignant moment in the visit will be the visit to the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille on February 14, where Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during World War I. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and stands as a testament to the courage and valor of Indian soldiers who fought in Europe during the war. This visit underscores the historical bond between India and France, especially in the context of shared sacrifices during the two World Wars.
PM Modi’s Visit to the United States
Following his engagements in France, Prime Minister Modi will head to the United States for a two-day visit from February 12-13. This trip will be significant as it will mark his first meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden since Biden’s inauguration. The visit is expected to focus on deepening Indo-US ties, especially in areas like defense, technology, trade, and climate change.
The meeting between Modi and Biden comes after a period of strained relations, but the two leaders are expected to chart a path forward to enhance cooperation on global issues. The India-U.S. partnership has gained momentum in recent years, and this visit is likely to solidify further collaboration, especially in the context of Indo-Pacific security and the fight against climate change.
In addition to his meeting with President Biden, Modi is likely to engage with key officials of the Biden administration, including those from the defense and economic sectors.
This visit to France and the U.S. is a part of Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to build stronger international alliances in the fields of technology, defense, and geopolitics. With India at the forefront of global discussions on AI, clean energy, and digital transformation, Modi’s visit to Paris and the U.S. underscores India’s growing influence on the world stage.
For the latest updates on PM Modi foreign visit, stay tuned to The Sampadak Express.
