The North News
New Delhi, February 10
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to finalise a deal for 26 naval variant Rafale jets and three Scorpene-class submarines with French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Paris, aiming to enhance India’s maritime defense capabilities. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the agreements. During the visit, Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the Prime Minister will arrive in Paris on the evening of February 10 and attend a dinner hosted by Macron at the Élysée Palace. The event will be attended by global tech CEOs and other distinguished guests.
On February 11, Modi and Macron will lead discussions at the AI Action Summit, which aims to address the governance of artificial intelligence. The summit follows similar high-level meetings in the UK in 2023 and South Korea in 2024. India has emphasized the need for AI to be developed and deployed in a safe, ethical, and inclusive manner, Misri said.
Following the summit, Modi and Macron will participate in bilateral talks, including a restricted session and delegation-level discussions. They will also address the India-France CEOs Forum, focusing on economic and strategic cooperation.
Later that evening, the two leaders will travel to Marseille, where Macron will host a dinner in Modi’s honour. On February 12, they will visit the Mazargues War Cemetery, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I. The visit underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and France, covering defense, technology, and trade cooperation.
