Priyanka Tiwari
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French President Emmanuel Macron warmly welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a heartfelt hug upon his arrival in Paris. The two leaders later attended a welcome dinner at the Elysee Palace, setting the stage for the upcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit.
Warm Reception in Paris
President Macron took to X (formerly Twitter) to greet PM Modi, sharing a video of his arrival and writing, "Welcome to Paris, my friend Narendra Modi." The video showcased the leaders' camaraderie as they exchanged greetings at the Elysee Palace.
Welcome to Paris, my friend @NarendraModi! Nice to meet you dear @VP Vance! Welcome to all our partners for the AI Action Summit.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 10, 2025
Let’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/yatkrVYv9x
During the welcome dinner, PM Modi interacted with several world leaders attending the AI Summit, including US Vice President JD Vance. This was their first meeting since Vance assumed office last month. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also shared images of the three leaders engaged in discussions.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and AI Collaboration
PM Modi’s visit to France is pivotal in strengthening India-France bilateral relations. He is expected to hold extensive discussions with President Macron, focusing on:
- Strategic cooperation
- Technological innovation
- Artificial intelligence (AI) advancements
As part of the summit, PM Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit alongside President Macron. This high-level meeting will bring together global leaders and tech executives to drive AI innovations that benefit society.
Historic Milestone: India’s First Consulate in Marseille
Another key highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of India's first consulate in Marseille. This marks a significant milestone in India-France diplomatic relations, further deepening ties between the two nations.
Special Welcome at the Airport
Underscoring the importance of PM Modi’s visit, France extended a warm reception, with Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu personally receiving him at the airport. Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, shared the moment on X, stating, "PM Narendra Modi arrived in Paris to a special welcome. Warmly received by Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu at the airport."
Next Stop: The United States
Following his engagements in France, PM Modi will travel to the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump. The visit aims to reinforce India’s global partnerships, focusing on technology collaboration, defense cooperation, and economic growth.
PM Modi’s international tour underscores India’s growing influence in global strategic discussions, particularly in AI and technological innovation.
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