PM’s France, US visits: AI & Alliances in focus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-nation tour on Monday, focusing on AI collaboration and strengthening India-US ties. He arrived in France to co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday. Before heading to Washington, he will hold bilateral talks with Macron.
Modi expressed enthusiasm for the summit, emphasizing the need for an inclusive, secure, and trustworthy AI framework. The summit, the third of its kind, will bring together key global leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing. Tech giants such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Google’s Sundar Pichai will also attend. The event will launch an AI Foundation and promote international collaboration on AI safety.
After the summit, Modi and Macron will travel to Marseille to inaugurate India’s first consulate in France and discuss progress on the 2047 Horizon Roadmap. They will also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, where India partners with France and other countries to develop sustainable energy solutions. Modi will pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World Wars I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery.
France and India plan to unveil a bilateral AI roadmap and strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear energy. Discussions will include a partnership on small modular reactors (SMRs) and deepening strategic ties.
Following his France visit, Modi will fly to the US at President Donald Trump’s invitation. He looks forward to his first meeting with Trump in his second term, recalling their earlier collaboration in shaping a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Modi aims to expand cooperation in technology, trade, defense, energy, and supply chains.
The visit comes amid India’s concerns over US deportations. Recently, an American military flight returned 104 illegal migrants to Amritsar, sparking outrage. Images of deportees in shackles intensified criticism, and India plans to raise the issue in Washington. The US is set to deport nearly 600 more Indian migrants, including 96 whose nationality India has confirmed.
Trade and investment will feature prominently in Modi’s talks with Trump. The US has urged India to buy more American defense equipment and work toward a fair bilateral trade relationship. In a recent phone call, Trump encouraged India to boost defense purchases and enhance economic ties.
During Trump’s first term, Modi visited the US in 2017 and 2019. He was among the first leaders to congratulate Trump on his re-election last year. After Trump’s inauguration, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to a strong US-India partnership. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India at the event.
Modi’s US trip aims to build on past successes and create a roadmap for deeper engagement. Both nations seek to reinforce strategic ties, address pressing issues, and set the stage for future collaboration. As Modi meets global leaders, AI and technology-driven cooperation remain at the forefront of his agenda.
