Blitz Bureau
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Paris on Monday, where he will co-chair the much-awaited AI Action Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit will see global leaders and top tech executives come together to deliberate on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on innovation and ethical development.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the visit will include important bilateral discussions with President Macron aimed at deepening India-France ties.
“The Prime Minister will engage in talks with President Macron, and together they will launch key initiatives to further solidify the India-France strategic partnership,” the MEA said in a statement.
Before leaving for France, PM Modi shared highlights of his visit, stressing its importance in strengthening India’s global partnerships and promoting international collaboration.
“At the invitation of President Macron, I will be visiting France from February 10 to 12. In Paris, I look forward to co-chairing the AI Action Summit, an essential gathering of world leaders and tech industry leaders. Our discussions will be focused on creating a collaborative approach to AI, ensuring that this transformative technology fosters innovation while being inclusive, secure, and trustworthy,” he said.
PM Modi also highlighted the bilateral significance of the visit, saying, “My discussions with President Macron will help us assess the progress made under the 2047 Horizon Roadmap, a comprehensive plan aimed at expanding our strategic partnership.”
During the visit, PM Modi will travel to the historic city of Marseille, where he will inaugurate India’s first Consulate in France. He is also scheduled to visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a global initiative focused on developing fusion energy, where India is a key consortium member.
Another important aspect of the trip will be PM Modi’s visit to the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, where he will pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the World Wars, emphasizing the historical bond between India and France.
Following his engagements in France, PM Modi will travel to the United States for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations under the leadership of President Donald Trump.
“I am eager to meet my friend, President Trump. This will be our first meeting since his recent re-election, and I fondly recall the progress we made during his first term in advancing the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between our countries,” he said.
PM Modi emphasized that the US visit would provide a platform to build on previous achievements and chart a forward-looking agenda.
“This visit will focus on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as technology, trade, defense, energy, and supply chain resilience. Our efforts will aim at creating mutual benefits for our people while contributing to a more secure and prosperous global future,” he concluded.
