Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France has taken center stage in the global AI discourse, as India has been confirmed as the next host of the AI Action Summit. Addressing a distinguished gathering that included French President Emmanuel Macron, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Modi emphasized the need for inclusive AI development and investment in skilling and reskilling to prepare for an AI-driven future.
This visit, beyond AI, also reinforces India-France diplomatic and technological cooperation, as both nations push for a responsible, democratized, and accessible AI ecosystem, particularly for the Global South.
India’s Pledge for AI Leadership
During his inaugural address at the AI Action Summit in Paris, PM Modi made it clear that India aims to be a global leader in AI innovation. His speech focused on:
🔹 Skilling for an AI Future: Modi called for investment in workforce training, ensuring AI doesn’t just remain in the hands of a few but benefits all nations, especially developing ones.
🔹 AI for Governance: He highlighted the role of AI in efficient governance, ensuring fair access to technological advancements.
🔹 Collaboration with France: India pledged full support for France’s AI initiatives, emphasizing a shared vision for ethical AI development.
With India set to host the next AI Action Summit, this signals New Delhi’s growing role in shaping global AI policies and fostering tech partnerships.
Strengthening Indo-French Ties
Beyond AI, Modi’s visit carries strong diplomatic and technological significance. Here are some key moments from his France tour:
🔹 A Grand Presidential Dinner: Macron hosted a high-profile dinner at the Élysée Palace, attended by top global tech CEOs and leaders, solidifying strategic business collaborations.
🔹 India’s AI Response to China’s DeepSeek: With China’s DeepSeek AI making waves in the tech world, India’s IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans for a homegrown AI model, reinforcing India’s commitment to technological self-reliance.
🔹 India-France CEO Forum: Modi and Macron are set to engage with top business leaders, focusing on AI, trade, and investment opportunities between the two nations.
🔹 Honoring Indian Soldiers in France: Modi will pay tribute to Indian soldiers of World War I at the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, honoring their sacrifices in global conflicts.
🔹 A Visit to ITER – The Future of Clean Energy: The leaders will tour Cadarache, home to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a cutting-edge project in nuclear fusion research, showcasing India’s role in next-gen energy solutions.
Why This Visit Matters
PM Modi’s France visit is more than just another diplomatic engagement—it’s a statement of India’s global aspirations. From AI and tech collaborations to nuclear energy research and historical tributes, the visit cements India’s role as a key player on the world stage.
With the next AI Action Summit coming to India, the nation is poised to lead the global AI conversation, ensuring the technology is not just innovative, but also ethical and accessible to all.
