New Delhi, February 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a three-day visit to France today, where he will co-chair the AI Action Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. During the visit, Modi is also set to engage in bilateral talks with Macron and deliver a speech to business leaders, according to official sources.
The two leaders will also visit the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille on Wednesday, where they will pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who made sacrifices during World War I. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains the site.
Following the visit to France, the Prime Minister will head to the United States for the second phase of his two-nation tour.
In anticipation of the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson shared a video showcasing the strong relationship between India and France. The spokesperson tweeted, “PM @narendramodi will be heading to Paris to co-chair the AI Action Summit with President @EmmanuelMacron of France. Take a look at the broad spectrum of India-France's special relationship.” This marks Modi's sixth visit to France, as highlighted in the video.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri provided further details of the visit's schedule during a special briefing on February 7. Modi is set to arrive in Paris on Monday, where he will attend a dinner hosted by President Macron at the Élysée Palace. The event is expected to be attended by several CEOs from the tech sector and other distinguished guests of the summit.
On February 11, the Prime Minister will co-chair the AI Action Summit with Macron. He will also engage in both restricted and delegation-level discussions and address the India-France CEOs Forum. Additionally, Modi will inaugurate the new Consulate General of India in Marseille with Macron.
The two leaders will visit Cadarache later, the site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a pioneering scientific project that India is collaborating on with other nations.
Last year, India and France commemorated the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership, which spans a wide range of issues, including defense, security, civil nuclear cooperation, space, trade, economy, and commerce. Their ties are now expanding into new areas, including innovation and technology, maritime security, counter-terrorism, healthcare cooperation, renewable energy, and development cooperation, as noted by Foreign Secretary Misri.
