February 11, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from French President Emmanuel Macron as the two leaders met in Paris ahead of the highly anticipated AI Action Summit. Macron greeted PM Modi with a hug at a dinner event, where the Indian Prime Minister also interacted with US Vice President JD Vance.

Sharing his enthusiasm on social media platform X, PM Modi posted, “Delighted to meet my friend, President Macron in Paris.” The meeting set the stage for their joint leadership at the AI Summit, which aims to shape global AI governance.

PM Modi arrived in Paris earlier in the day for a two-day visit, where he was welcomed by French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu. At the airport, large crowds from the Indian diaspora gathered, chanting "Modi, Modi" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" amid drumbeats. PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception, calling it a "memorable welcome" and praised the Indian community for their contributions.

The AI Action Summit, co-chaired by India and France, will focus on developing an inclusive global AI governance framework while ensuring safety and transparency in AI technology. Leaders from across the world, including Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, have gathered for the summit, highlighting the growing importance of AI in global affairs. The event comes at a crucial time, following the Chinese startup DeepSeek’s launch of an AI model that directly competes with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Diplomatic sources suggest that India’s leadership at the AI Summit sends a clear message about its role in shaping global AI policies, particularly in competition with China.

During his visit, PM Modi and Macron will also address the India-France CEO’s Forum and hold bilateral talks in Marseille. In a significant diplomatic move, the two leaders will inaugurate India’s new consulate in Marseille. Additionally, PM Modi is expected to visit the Mazargues War Cemetery to honor Indian soldiers who fought in World War I.

With AI governance taking center stage, PM Modi’s visit underscores India’s commitment to innovation, diplomacy, and global cooperation in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.