Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in France on Monday for a two-day visit, marking yet another significant milestone in India-France diplomatic relations. The visit is centered around the AI Action Summit, which Modi is co-chairing with French President Emmanuel Macron. The discussions are expected to cover AI technology advancements, strategic partnerships, and international cooperation.
Additionally, PM Modi's itinerary includes high-level bilateral talks, meetings with business leaders, and a visit to historical sites to honor Indian soldiers who served in World War I. His France visit is the first leg of a two-nation tour, with the United States being the next destination.
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High-Profile Dinner Hosted by President Macron
Prime Minister Modi will attend a special dinner hosted by President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. The event is expected to include distinguished guests such as global tech CEOs and other key dignitaries attending the AI Action Summit.
- Co-Chairing the AI Action Summit
On Tuesday, Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit with President Macron. This summit holds immense significance given the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and the disruptive impact of Chinese AI developments like DeepSeek. India’s IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that India is actively working on developing a domestic AI model to stay competitive in the sector.
- Bilateral Talks and Business Engagements
Modi and Macron will hold discussions in both restricted and delegation-level formats, aiming to strengthen Indo-French strategic partnerships. In addition, both leaders will address the India-France CEO's Forum, focusing on business collaborations in emerging technology, defense, and energy sectors.
- Honoring Indian Soldiers in Marseille
On Wednesday, PM Modi will visit the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This visit is a tribute to Indian soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives during World War I.
- Visit to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)
PM Modi and President Macron will also visit the Cadarache research center, which houses the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), one of the most ambitious nuclear fusion projects in the world.
- Indian Diaspora Expresses Enthusiasm
Members of the Indian community in Paris welcomed PM Modi with great enthusiasm. Speaking to the media, an Indian expatriate expressed their excitement, stating:
"With every visit of PM Modi, we achieve a lot. This time, a new Indian consulate will be opening in France. We also request the establishment of a cultural center here."
- Warm Reception by France’s Armed Forces Minister
PM Modi received a warm welcome upon his arrival in Paris. He was personally greeted at the airport by France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu.
- PM Modi Acknowledges Support Despite Cold Weather
Despite the cold weather in Paris, a large number of Indian expatriates gathered to welcome Modi. Expressing his gratitude, he tweeted:
"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!"
- India’s Proposal to Host the Next AI Summit
India has proposed hosting the next global AI summit, with an official announcement expected at the AI Action Summit in Paris. If confirmed, India would become the fourth country to host a global AI safety-focused summit after the United Kingdom, South Korea, and France.
- JD Vance’s First International Summit as US Vice President
US Vice President JD Vance made his international diplomatic debut at the AI Action Summit in Paris. This summit serves as a crucial platform for global leaders, tech executives, and policymakers to deliberate on AI’s implications for global security, economics, and governance.
Among the high-profile attendees is Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, underscoring Beijing’s growing interest in shaping AI standards globally.
- Macron’s Vision for AI and France’s AI Acceleration Strategy
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to cut bureaucratic red tape to accelerate AI development in France. Addressing the summit, he emphasized:
"We will adopt the Notre Dame de Paris strategy, just like we rebuilt the cathedral in five years. When we commit to a timeline, we deliver."
Macron outlined plans to fast-track AI infrastructure development, streamline regulatory processes, and enhance France’s attractiveness as a tech hub. He assured AI businesses of swift approvals for data centers and AI product launches.
- Macron Announces AI Investment Pledges Worth €109 Billion
During the AI Summit, President Macron unveiled investment pledges totaling €109 billion ($112 billion) to boost France’s AI sector. The funding includes:
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Brookfield (Canada) – Plans to invest €20 billion in AI projects in France.
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United Arab Emirates – Expected to invest up to €50 billion over the coming years.
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Amazon – Pledged €1.2 billion in May 2024 as part of a larger €6 billion investment in cloud infrastructure by 2031.
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Apollo Global Management – Committed $5 billion towards AI-driven energy projects.
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Digital Realty – Expanding data centers in Paris and Marseille with a pledge of €6 billion.
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Equinix – Investing €630 million as part of a €750 million pledge for ten new data centers in Paris and one in Bordeaux.
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Fluidstack – Signed an MoU with the French government to build one of the world's largest AI supercomputers, powered by French nuclear energy. The first phase involves an investment of €10 billion, with the project expected to be operational by 2026.
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Mistral AI (Nvidia-backed startup) – Plans to launch the largest supercomputer in Europe while strengthening partnerships with French firms like Veolia and Dassault Systèmes.
- PM Modi Meets Emmanuel Macron
Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight at meeting French President Macron, referring to him as a "friend." The two leaders engaged in discussions on AI, trade, and strategic partnerships
- PM Modi’s Departure Statement
Before leaving for France, PM Modi emphasized the importance of international collaboration in AI. He said:
"We will exchange views on a collaborative approach to AI technology for innovation and public good in an inclusive, secure, and trustworthy manner"
The AI Summit in Paris, the third of its kind, brings together global leaders like US Vice President JD Vance and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, along with tech giants including OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Google’s Sundar Pichai.
- France’s Bid to Become an AI Hub
At the AI Action Summit, Macron urged AI firms to choose France and Europe for their AI development projects. He reassured global tech leaders that France will introduce "smart regulations" and work collaboratively, irrespective of geopolitical factors.
- Macron’s Welcome Post for PM Modi
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Macron welcomed his "friend" PM Modi and US Vice President JD Vance, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in AI development.
In an exclusive interview with France24, Macron praised India’s technological prowess and educational strength. Macron stated:
"India is a training superpower – producing one million engineers annually, more than the US and Europe combined"
He also extended a warm greeting to India, beginning his speech with “Bharat ke logon ko mera namaste” (Namaste, people of India) and concluding with “Bahut shukriya” (many thanks).
PM Modi’s visit to France marks a significant step toward global AI collaboration and strengthened Indo-French relations. From co-chairing the AI Action Summit to securing strategic investments, Modi's engagements in France reinforce India's role as a key player in AI governance, diplomacy, and technological advancements.
His next stop is the United States, where AI, trade, and strategic partnerships are expected to dominate discussions.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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