Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-nation tour, with his first stop in France before heading to the United States. His visit to France, spanning three days, includes high-level discussions with President Emmanuel Macron, co-chairing the AI Action Summit, and engagements with business leaders.
Ahead of their bilateral meeting, President Macron emphasized the strong India-France partnership, stating, “We have a shared interest focused on friendship.” He also acknowledged India's prowess in education and technology, noting, “India is a training superpower—one million engineers a year, more than the US and Europe combined.”
In a video interview, Macron warmly greeted Indians in Hindi, saying ‘Bharat ke logon ko mera namaste’ and concluded with ‘Bahut shukriya.’
On Monday, Modi will attend a special dinner at the Élysée Palace in Paris, hosted by Macron, which will see participation from top CEOs in the tech industry. The leaders will also hold discussions in both restricted and delegation formats.
A key highlight of the visit is the AI Action Summit on February 11, where Modi and Macron will explore advancements in artificial intelligence and global regulatory frameworks. Modi will also address the India-France CEO’s Forum, focusing on economic collaboration.
Further strengthening historical ties, the two leaders will visit the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, paying tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I.
This visit builds on last year’s celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership, which encompasses defense, security, space, civil nuclear cooperation, and trade.
With AI emerging as a pivotal area of collaboration, Modi’s visit is expected to enhance technological partnerships, boost investment, and reinforce diplomatic ties between the two nations.