Synopsis
During a dinner at the Elysee Palace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated US Vice President J.D. Vance on his electoral victory. This meeting marks a significant diplomatic engagement ahead of Modi's upcoming visit to Washington, where he aims to bolster India's partnerships in technology, defence, and economic cooperation.Key Takeaways
- PM Modi congratulated JD Vance on his electoral win.
- The dinner was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
- Modi's visit to the US aims to strengthen global partnerships.
- Discussion topics include trade, defence, and technology.
- Joint inauguration of India's first consulate in Marseille.
Paris, Feb 11 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi had an opportunity to meet with US Vice President J.D. Vance during a dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
This meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the state dinner, represented PM Modi's inaugural interaction with the senior leadership of the Trump administration ahead of his scheduled trip to Washington.
During their discussion, PM Modi extended his congratulations to Vance on his electoral success.
"Congratulations. Great, great victory," he remarked while shaking hands with the US Vice President.
The Prime Minister's Office shared images of this interaction, noting, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with French President Emmanuel Macron and US Vice President J.D. Vance."
Following his engagements in France, PM Modi is set to travel to the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump. The purpose of this visit is to enhance India's global partnerships, particularly in the realms of technology, defence, and economic collaboration.
Before his departure, PM Modi reflected on his previous cooperation with Trump during the latter's initial presidential term and expressed his anticipation for their upcoming meeting.
"This will be our first meeting since his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, but I fondly remember our collaboration during his first term in establishing a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US," stated PM Modi.
He highlighted that this visit would allow for building on past achievements and developing a forward-looking agenda in vital sectors such as trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience.
"This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in his first term and develop an agenda to further elevate and deepen our partnership," he noted.
PM Modi and Trump are anticipated to discuss a variety of strategic matters, including trade policies, defence collaboration, and global security challenges. The visit is particularly significant given recent policy changes in the US, including deportation measures impacting Indian nationals and discussions around reciprocal tariffs.
Last month, the two leaders engaged in a phone conversation during which Trump emphasized the necessity for India to enhance its defence acquisitions from the US while advocating for a balanced trade relationship. They also touched upon the QUAD alliance and ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
Before traveling to Washington, PM Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit with President Macron, which aims to gather global leaders and industry experts to discuss AI-driven technological advancements for public benefit.
This visit also signifies a diplomatic milestone as PM Modi and Macron will jointly inaugurate India's first consulate in Marseille, thereby strengthening Indo-French relations.
