The North News
New Delhi, February 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a welcome dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace, ahead of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit. Macron greeted Modi with a hug and shared a video of the meeting on social media.
“Welcome to Paris, my friend @NarendraModi! Nice to meet you dear @VP Vance! Welcome to all our partners for the AI Action Summit. Let’s get to work!,” Macron posted on X. “Arrived in Paris, looking forward to AI, tech, and innovation-focused programs,” Prime Minister Modi wrote on X previously known as Twitter.
At the event, Modi also met several world leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, marking their first interaction since Vance took office last month. The Prime Minister’s Office shared images of their discussions.
Modi and Macron are expected to discuss a potential deal for 26 Rafale naval jets and three Scorpene-class submarines to strengthen India’s maritime defense capabilities. No official confirmation has been made. The two leaders will co-chair the AI Action Summit, focusing on global AI governance. India has called for the ethical and inclusive development of AI.
Modi and Macron will also hold bilateral talks, address the India-France CEOs Forum, and later travel to Marseille for a formal dinner. On February 12, they will visit the Mazargues War Cemetery to honor Indian soldiers who fought in World War I.
The visit underscores growing India-France cooperation in defense, technology, and trade.
