Prime Minister Leaves for Diplomatic Visits to France and then to U.S.

New Delhi, February 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Monday afternoon for two major diplomatic visits, first to France and then to the United States. These visits aim to reinforce India’s strategic partnerships with both nations, focusing on artificial intelligence, defence, trade, and technological collaboration.

“At the invitation of President Macron, I will be visiting France from 10 to 12 February. In Paris, I look forward to co-chairing the AI Action Summit, a gathering of the world leaders and global tech CEOs, where we will exchange views on a collaborative approach to AI technology for innovation and larger public good in an inclusive, secure and trustworthy manner,” said Prime Minister Modi before his departure.

The AI Action Summit, which Modi will co-chair alongside President Emmanuel Macron, is set to be a crucial platform for shaping global discussions on AI governance, ethical deployment, and inclusivity. Upon his arrival in Paris, Modi will attend a high-profile dinner at the Élysée Palace, hosted by Macron and attended by global tech CEOs and other dignitaries. On February 11, he and Macron will address the India-France CEOs Forum, followed by bilateral talks in both restricted and delegation-level formats.

“The bilateral segment of my visit will provide an opportunity to review the progress on the 2047 Horizon Roadmap for India-France strategic partnership along with my friend President Macron. We will also travel to the historic French city of Marseille to inaugurate the first Indian Consulate in France and also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, in which India is a member of the consortium of partner countries, including France, to harness energy for the global good. I will also pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World Wars I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery,” Modi stated.

A major highlight of the visit will be Modi and Macron’s joint visit to Marseille. At the Mazargues War Cemetery, the Prime Minister will pay homage to Indian soldiers who fought in the World Wars. The leaders will also visit Cadarache, home to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, which exemplifies India and France’s collaboration in advancing nuclear fusion technology.

Following his engagements in France, Modi will proceed to the United States from February 12-13 at the invitation of President Donald Trump.

“From France, I will proceed on a two-day visit to the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump. I look forward to meeting my friend, President Trump. Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US,” said Modi.

The important visit of Modi is among few of the first state leaders meeting US President Trump officially after his return to office, highlighting the importance of India-U.S. ties.

Modi’s schedule includes a bilateral meeting with Trump, discussions with senior U.S. officials, and engagements with business leaders and the Indian diaspora. The focus areas will include technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience.

“This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in his first term and develop an agenda to further elevate and deepen our partnership, including in the areas of technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience. We will work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our two countries and shape a better future for the world,” Modi affirmed.

The India-U.S. partnership has seen significant advancements in trade, defence, and strategic cooperation. Modi’s visit is expected to further these ties, particularly within the Quad framework, where India collaborates with the U.S., Japan, and Australia on Indo-Pacific security.

Modi’s back-to-back visits to France and the United States reflect India’s expanding role in global governance and its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships. With AI, defence, trade, and diplomatic ties high on the agenda, these visits are set to shape India’s international engagements in 2025 and beyond.