Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, where the two leaders shared a heartfelt hug before enjoying a dinner together. Their meeting highlighted the close relationship between India and France, setting the stage for important discussions on mutual interests.
PM Modi expressed his excitement for the visit on X, saying, “Delighted to meet my friend, President Macron in Paris.”
During his visit, PM Modi is expected to engage in comprehensive talks with President Macron, focusing on strategic cooperation, technological innovation, and artificial intelligence. A key event of the trip will be the AI Action Summit, where PM Modi and Macron will co-chair discussions with global leaders and tech industry executives on the potential of AI for public good. Additionally, the visit will have historic significance, as the two leaders are set to inaugurate India’s first consulate in Marseille, marking a major step in enhancing diplomatic ties.
The importance of PM Modi’s visit was further underscored by the warm reception he received upon arrival in France. French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, personally greeted the Prime Minister at the airport. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared the update on X, stating, “PM Narendra Modi arrived in Paris to a special welcome. Warmly received by Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu of France at the airport.”
This visit is part of efforts to deepen the India-France strategic partnership. PM Modi and Macron will also review progress on the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, a long-term initiative aimed at advancing cooperation in key sectors. Additionally, the two leaders will travel to Marseille, where they will visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, an important international collaboration in nuclear fusion research. In a gesture of respect for historical ties, PM Modi will also visit the Mazargues War Cemetery to honor Indian soldiers who gave their lives during the World Wars.
Dignitaries, including US Vice President JD Vance, are also attending the dinner hosted by Macron, further highlighting the significance of this diplomatic event.
After concluding his engagements in France, PM Modi will proceed to the United States for the second leg of his tour, where he will meet with President Donald Trump. The visit is expected to strengthen India’s global partnerships, particularly in technology, defense, and economic collaboration.
