Synopsis
On February 11, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by French President Macron in Paris, where they discussed strategic collaborations alongside US Vice President JD Vance and other dignitaries. A highlight of the visit includes co-chairing the AI Action Summit and establishing India's first consulate in Marseille.Key Takeaways
- Warm welcome from President Macron
- Meeting with US Vice President JD Vance
- Focus on strategic collaboration and AI
- Establishment of India's first consulate in Marseille
- Visit to the ITER project and honoring war heroes
Paris, Feb 11 (NationPress) French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a warm hug upon his arrival in Paris for a dinner at the Elysee Palace.
Macron greeted Modi upon his arrival, and the two leaders exchanged preliminary comments before initiating discussions. Additional dignitaries also attended Macron's dinner, including US Vice President JD Vance.
PM Modi, V-P Vance, and President Macron convened on the sidelines of a dinner hosted by the French President in Paris' Elysee Palace.
As stated by the Prime Minister's Office, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with French President Emmanuel Macron and US Vice President J.D. Vance."
Other notable attendees at the working dinner included Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Besides enhancing bilateral relations, PM Modi's visit to France aims to facilitate extensive discussions with Macron about strategic collaboration, technological innovation, and artificial intelligence.
PM Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit with the French President, uniting global leaders and tech executives to deliberate on AI-driven advancements for public welfare. This visit is also pivotal as the two leaders will inaugurate India's first consulate in Marseille, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic ties.
The significance of PM Modi's visit is further highlighted by France's gracious reception, with Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu welcoming him at the airport.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided the update on X, announcing, "PM Narendra Modi arrived in Paris to a special welcome. Warmly received by Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu of France at the airport."
This visit is in line with ongoing efforts to strengthen the India-France strategic partnership, including reviewing advancements on the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, an initiative dedicated to long-term cooperation in vital sectors.
During his visit, PM Modi will travel to Marseille with Macron, where they will tour the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, an important international collaboration in nuclear fusion research. In homage to historical connections, the Prime Minister will also pay a visit to the Mazargues War Cemetery to honor Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the World Wars.
After concluding his engagements in France, PM Modi will proceed to the second phase of his tour, heading to the US at the invitation of President Donald Trump. This visit is anticipated to strengthen India's global partnerships, concentrating on key collaborative areas in technology, defense, and economic growth.
