New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to France has marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit, which concluded on February 12, was packed with key initiatives aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and technological ties.
On the final day of his visit, PM Modi arrived in Marseille, where he inaugurated India’s second consulate in France, after the Embassy in Paris. This new consulate is set to play a crucial role in enhancing people-to-people ties and facilitating trade between India and France. Marseille’s strategic location on the Mediterranean coast makes it a vital gateway for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron also paid a poignant tribute to Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I at the Mazargues War Cemetery. This gesture underscored the historical bond between the two nations and honored the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the war.
A highlight of the visit was the co-chairing of the AI Action Summit by PM Modi and President Macron on February 11. The summit focused on global AI governance and the responsible use of AI, with discussions centered on creating rules and guidelines for AI development and application in sectors such as healthcare and climate change. The two nations also unveiled a bilateral roadmap on AI and announced a partnership for the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs).
The visit included bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Macron in both restricted and delegation level formats. These discussions covered a wide range of areas, including space cooperation, renewable energy, and innovation. The two leaders also addressed the India-France CEOs Forum, emphasizing the importance of strengthening trade, business, and economic ties between the two countries.
PM Modi attended a dinner hosted by President Macron at the Elysee Palace, which was attended by tech CEOs and other distinguished guests. During his visit, he also interacted with the Indian diaspora in Marseille, acknowledging the city’s historical significance in India’s freedom struggle, particularly the courageous escape attempt by Veer Savarkar in 1910.
One of the technological highlights of the visit was the tour of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in Cadarache. This project is a major international collaboration in nuclear fusion research and represents a significant area of cooperation between India and France.
As PM Modi concludes his France visit, he is set to embark on a trip to the US, marking the continuation of his diplomatic engagements. The visit to France has reinforced the deep trust and shared values between India and France, including democratic principles, innovation, and a commitment to serving the people. This trip has laid the groundwork for further cooperation in AI, nuclear energy, and other critical sectors, solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.
