Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day visit to Paris, France, from 10-12th February, 2025. The visit underscores significant diplomatic ties between the countries, as it provided a platform for the leaders and representatives to engage and interact in different formats with regards to global artificial intelligence innovations and strengthen the existing solid partnership between India and France. In that vein, the Prime Minister Modi co-chaired the global AI Action Summit in France which brought together world leaders and global tech CEOs for the exchange of views on collaborative approach to latest AI technology and AI’s future prospects for innovation and larger public good in an inclusive, secure, and trustworthy manner.
To begin with, Prime Minister Modi on his arrival was warmly greeted upon by the Indian community in Paris. Taking to X he shared “A memorable welcome in Paris! The Cold weather didn’t deter the Indian community from showing their affection this evening. Grateful to our diaspora and proud of them for their accomplishments!”
Key takeaways from the Summit
France hosted the Artificial Intelligence Summit inviting global leaders, CEOs, top tech executives, and scientists from around the globe to its capital city, Paris. The French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron, encouraged the nations to grab the opportunity as AI can help enhance human life. He also emphasised on France’s dedication to fostering AI technology using AI solutions as it has clean and efficient infrastructure for the development of the same.
Prime Minister Modi, as the co-chair of the summit, represented India as the Voice of the Global South on AI-related issues. He voiced the transformative potential of AI and the future of AI, expressing his willingness towards the fact that “AI future is for good and for all” and “governance is not just about managing risks but also about promoting innovation and deploying it for the global good”. He further shared that “The AI Action Summit in Paris is a commendable effort to bring together world leaders, policy makers, thinkers, innovators, and youngsters to have a meaningful conversations around AI”.
In the context of AI technology, Europe has taken a cautious approach towards the development of the AI industry, and this stance is taken to ensure reduction in AI-related harms and preservation of human rights and values. During the Summit, NATO’s Commander; Admiral Pierre Vandier said “I think one day we will have to find ways to control AI or else we will lose control of everything.” On the other, the US Vice President, JD Vance, expressed his concerns that excessive regulations would hinder the growth of the artificial intelligence industry and lead to slower technological advancements. “Overregulation deters innovators from taking the risks necessary to advance the ball”, the US Vice President added in his speech.
All in all, the French organisers hope to boost the investments in their AI sector, with France securing more than 110 billion euros as an investment pledge for the French AI industry. This will also lead to the establishment of France as one of the key players in the world AI sector. India, along with 57 (and counting) other countries signed the Paris Pact on AI as a pledge for the promotion of accessibility, inclusivity, sustainable economic growth, prosperity, health, and business for all people and to control inequalities and gender imbalances. The Summit acted as a push towards the reinforcement of latest and rapid AI advancement.
Other Engagements
The 14th India-France CEO Forum also took place after the Summit that was jointly addressed by both the leaders in Paris. The forum brought together CEOs from a diverse group of companies from both the nations, focusing on sectors such as defence, aerospace, critical and emerging technologies, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and life-sciences among others. PM Modi also invited French companies to explore the immense opportunities as showcased by the Indian growth story in the domains of defence, energy, civil aviation etc. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, along with other ministers also addressed the Forum.
Thereafter, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron also visited the historic French city of Marseille and inaugurated the first Indian Consulate in France. The consulate so inaugurated is expected to strengthen ties between peoples of both the countries.
Furthermore, on the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi also interacted with the UN Secretary General Mr. Antonio Guterres and held a meeting with the President of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis. The leaders reiterated the growing India-Estonia ties and discussed ways to boost cooperation in the areas of trade, technology, culture etc.
