French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a warm hug upon his arrival in Paris for a dinner at the Elysee Palace. The two leaders shared a candid moment before engaging in discussions, reflecting the strong ties between India and France.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the visit, PM Modi posted on X, “Delighted to meet my friend, President Macron in Paris.”
Macron and Modi’s discussions are expected to cover key strategic issues, including technological innovation, artificial intelligence, and defence cooperation. The visit aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen the India-France strategic partnership, with a focus on the Horizon 2047 Roadmap—an initiative aimed at long-term collaboration in key sectors.
AI Action Summit
During the visit, PM Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit alongside Macron, engaging with global leaders and tech industry executives on AI-driven advancements for the public good. He also met US Vice President JD Vance, who is in France for the summit. “PM @narendramodi interacts with President @EmmanuelMacron and USA @VP @JDVance in Paris,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
Modi and Macron will jointly inaugurate India’s first consulate in Marseille, marking a significant diplomatic milestone. The leaders will also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in Marseille, a major international nuclear fusion research collaboration. Additionally, PM Modi will pay tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery, honouring their sacrifices in the World Wars.
France’s warm reception of PM Modi underscores the significance of the visit. Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu welcomed the Indian leader at the airport.