Priyanka Tiwari
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on an international tour, visiting two countries. His first stop was France, where he co-chaired the AI Action Summit in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit provided an opportunity for both leaders to discuss critical global and bilateral issues. Following the summit, they issued a joint statement, highlighting the significant progress in India-France relations and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation further.
Inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Marseilles
Before the AI Action Summit, PM Modi and President Macron traveled together to Marseilles on a special flight. There, they jointly inaugurated the new Indian Consulate. Their arrival in Marseilles was marked by a grand welcome, with traditional drum and trumpet performances. The event symbolized the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations.
A Special Reception for PM Modi
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed with the sound of dhols, ahead of the opening of the Indian consulate in Marseilles
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2025
(Source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/a0llqRLXYR
During his visit, PM Modi received a warm welcome and high-level hospitality from President Macron. On the first day, President Macron hosted a dinner in honor of PM Modi, allowing them to engage in meaningful discussions. The following day, the two leaders participated in the AI Action Summit in a cordial and cooperative environment.
Key Discussions: Defense, Energy, and Strategic Cooperation
Apart from AI, PM Modi and President Macron engaged in discussions on major global and strategic issues. They deliberated on:
- Indo-Pacific Security: Strengthening cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the region.
- Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Sharing perspectives on the ongoing crisis and its global implications.
- Defense and Nuclear Energy: Exploring opportunities for collaboration in military technology and civil nuclear energy projects.
- Space and Innovation: Enhancing bilateral cooperation in space research and emerging technologies.
Joint Statement on Strengthening India-France Partnership
Following the meetings, both leaders released a joint statement emphasizing the importance of their strategic partnership. They reviewed existing cooperation in defense, civil nuclear energy, and space exploration, while also identifying new opportunities for collaboration in technology and innovation.
This visit reaffirmed India and France’s commitment to deepening their bilateral relationship and working together on global challenges.
