PM Modi and Macron Strengthen India-France Relations After Co-Chairing AI Summit
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to France to co-chair the AI Action Summit will significantly enhance bilateral ties, focusing on a robust strategic partnership. The visit includes discussions with President Macron and various dignitaries, culminating in the inauguration of a new Consulate General in Marseille, reflecting deepening India-France relations.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi to co-chair AI Summit in France.
- Strengthening bilateral ties with President Macron.
- Inauguration of new Indian Consulate in Marseille.
- Tribute to Indian soldiers at Mazargues War Cemetery.
- Focus on global challenges and Indo-Pacific security.
New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France for co-chairing the AI Action Summit next week incorporates a vital bilateral aspect, as disclosed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, to enhance a strategic partnership that Paris considers has weathered the toughest challenges and is ambitious in seizing opportunities.
PM Modi will be in France from February 10 to 12 to co-chair an Artificial Intelligence summit with French President Emmanuel Macron.
"The Prime Minister will land in Paris on the evening of February 10. He will partake in a dinner hosted by President Macron at the Elysee Palace for visiting heads of government and state. This dinner is expected to be attended by numerous tech CEOs and other distinguished guests at the summit," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed the media regarding the significant visit.
On February 11, the Prime Minister will co-chair the third edition of the AI Action Summit, previously hosted by the United Kingdom (2023) and South Korea (2024).
A substantial bilateral aspect is also part of the visit following the high-level meeting in Paris.
Both leaders last convened in November during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro - marking their third meeting in 2024 after President Macron's visit to India for the Republic Day celebrations in January and their gathering at the G7 Summit in Italy in June.
Misri indicated that PM Modi and President Macron will address the India-France CEOs Forum and engage in discussions in both restricted and delegation-level formats.
"This visit will also take PM Modi beyond Paris as he will journey to Marseille with President Macron on the evening of February 11. That evening, President Macron will host a dinner in honor of the Prime Minister. On the morning of February 12, the two leaders will pay their respects at the Mazargues War Cemetery, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, honoring Indian soldiers who gave their lives during World War I. Furthermore, PM Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the new Consulate General of India in Marseille," the Foreign Secretary noted.
The inauguration of the new Consulate General, announced by PM Modi during his 2023 visit to France, is anticipated to enhance people-to-people connections between India and France while also fortifying commercial ties in the South of France, as Marseille sits at the crossroads of global shipping routes and serves as the natural gateway to Southern Europe.
India's partnership with France has remained steadfast even amid ongoing global turbulence and challenges.
PM Modi and President Macron have outlined a comprehensive vision, focusing on the years leading up to 2047 and beyond, while fostering a secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific region and tackling global issues such as climate change, clean energy, health, food security, poverty, and development.
