PM Modi arrives in Paris for AI Action Summit, holds talks with President Macron

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in the French capital, Paris, where he is set to co-chair the highly anticipated AI Action Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit will bring together global leaders and technology CEOs to discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a strong emphasis on innovation and ethical development.  

The Prime Minister landed at Orly Airport in Paris, marking the beginning of a significant diplomatic visit that will also include crucial bilateral engagements with President Macron.  

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi's visit to France will strengthen India’s strategic partnership with the country through key initiatives and discussions.  

"The Prime Minister will hold talks with President Macron, and together, they will undertake several key initiatives aimed at further strengthening the India-France strategic partnership," the MEA stated.  

Ahead of his departure, PM Modi outlined the significance of the visit, stressing its potential impact on global AI development and 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, a significant gathering of world leaders and global tech CEOs. Our discussions will focus on fostering a collaborative approach to Artificial Intelligence, aimed at driving innovation and ensuring that this powerful technology serves the public good in an inclusive, secure, and trustworthy manner,” PM Modi said in a statement.  

Bilateral discussions and strategic roadmap

In addition to AI, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of bilateral discussions with President Macron, particularly in evaluating the progress of the 2047 Horizon Roadmap, a comprehensive plan to deepen India-France relations.  

"The discussions with President Macron will allow us to assess the progress made under the 2047 Horizon Roadmap, a comprehensive plan to deepen the India-France strategic partnership,” he stated.  

Inauguration of India’s first consulate and ITER project 

PM Modi's itinerary also includes a visit to the historic city of Marseille, where he will inaugurate India’s first Consulate in France. Highlighting the significance of this step, he remarked:  

“We will also travel to the historic city of Marseille, where I will inaugurate India’s first Consulate in France. Additionally, I look forward to visiting the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a vital project that aims to harness fusion energy for global benefit, where India is a key member of the consortium.”  

During his visit, PM Modi will also pay tribute to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the World Wars. He will visit the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, reinforcing India's enduring historical bond with France.  

Upcoming visit to the US

Following his European visit, PM Modi will travel to the United States for a two-day trip aimed at bolstering India-US relations under the leadership of President Donald Trump.  

“I look forward to meeting my friend, President Trump. Although this will be our first meeting since his recent re-election, I fondly recall the progress we made during his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between our two nations,” PM Modi stated.  

The visit to the US is expected to build on the successes of previous collaborations, with a focus on key sectors such as trade, defence, energy, technology, and supply chain resilience.  

“This visit will focus on developing a forward-looking agenda that deepens our partnership, particularly in key areas such as technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience. Together, we will work for the mutual benefit of our peoples and continue shaping a better, more prosperous future for the world,” he concluded.

IANS