PM Modi Joins Macron for Warm Welcome Dinner in Paris Ahead of AI Summit

Paris, February 11, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris on Monday for a significant visit ahead of the much-anticipated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit. He was warmly welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who greeted him with a hug at the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French President.

"Welcome to Paris, my friend @narendramodi," President Macron wrote on social media, sharing a video of the Prime Minister's arrival for the welcome dinner.

The dinner provided an opportunity for PM Modi to meet several world leaders set to attend the AI Summit, including the newly appointed US Vice President JD Vance. This marked the first meeting between the two leaders since Mr. Vance took office last month. Photographs shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) showcased the three leaders interacting warmly during the event.

Upon his arrival in Paris, PM Modi was greeted with an enthusiastic reception by the Indian community, undeterred by the cold weather. "A memorable welcome in Paris! Grateful to our diaspora and proud of their accomplishments," he remarked, expressing his appreciation for the warm gesture.

This marks PM Modi’s sixth visit to France. In a statement released before his departure, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of his visit in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France, with a focus on the 2047 Horizon Roadmap.

The AI Summit, to be held today, aims to foster international collaboration on the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies, with global leaders and tech CEOs gathering to shape the future of AI and its role in the global economy. Previous editions of the summit were hosted in the UK (2023) and South Korea (2024).

After the summit, PM Modi will travel to Marseille, where President Macron will host a special dinner in his honor. On Wednesday, the two leaders will visit the Mazargues War Cemetery to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought and died during World War I. The site, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, contains the graves of many Indian soldiers who served in France during the war.

Additionally, the two leaders will jointly inaugurate the Consulate General of India in Marseille. PM Modi’s France tour will conclude with a visit to Cadarache, where he will explore the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a global scientific collaboration focused on clean nuclear fusion energy, in which India plays a key role.

The outcomes of the AI Summit and the bilateral discussions between India and France are expected to be pivotal in shaping the future of AI and deepening strategic ties between the two nations.