PM Modi and Macron Strengthen India-France Relations Post AI Summit
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to France aims to strengthen bilateral ties alongside co-chairing the AI Action Summit with President Emmanuel Macron. The visit will include key discussions, a visit to the Mazargues War Cemetery, and the inauguration of the new Consulate General of India in Marseille.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi to visit France from February 10 to 12.
- Co-chairing the AI Action Summit with President Macron.
- Addressing the India-France CEOs Forum.
- Inaugurating the new Consulate General in Marseille.
- Paying tribute at the Mazargues War Cemetery.
New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming trip to France to co-chair the AI Action Summit next week encompasses a vital bilateral aspect, as disclosed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday. This initiative aims to fortify a strategic partnership that Paris considers to have weathered the toughest challenges and displayed audacity in seizing opportunities.
PM Modi is set to arrive in France from February 10 to 12 to collaborate with French President Emmanuel Macron in leading the Artificial Intelligence summit.
"The Prime Minister will reach Paris on the evening of February 10. He will be a guest at a dinner hosted by President Macron at the Elysee Palace, which honors the visiting heads of government and state. The dinner is expected to see the presence of numerous CEOs from the tech sector and other esteemed guests attending the summit," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed the media prior to this pivotal visit.
On February 11, PM Modi will co-chair the third edition of the AI Action Summit, previously held by the United Kingdom (2023) and South Korea (2024).
A significant bilateral aspect accompanies the visit, following the high-level gathering in Paris.
The two 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 encounter at the G7 Summit in Italy in June.
Misri disclosed 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 outside Paris as he journeys 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, both leaders will visit the Mazargues War Cemetery, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, to pay respects to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I. Additionally, PM Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the new Consulate General of India in Marseille," the Foreign Secretary noted.
The establishment of the new Consulate General, which PM Modi announced during his 2023 visit to France, is anticipated to enhance people-to-people connections between India and France while also bolstering commercial relations in the South of France, given that Marseille is strategically located at the intersection of global shipping routes and serves as a natural gateway to Southern Europe.
India's alliance with France has remained steadfast even amid recent global turbulence and challenges.
PM Modi and President Macron have outlined a comprehensive vision for the future, aiming for 2047 and beyond, while fostering a secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific region and tackling global issues like climate change, clean energy, health, food security, poverty, and development.
