PM Modi begins diplomatic tour to France and US
What's the story
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, February 10, 2025, embarked on a major diplomatic tour to France and the United States. The visit aims to bolster strategic ties, defense cooperation, and trade partnerships with the two nations.
Modi's first leg of the itinerary will be in France from February 10-12. On his arrival in Paris today, he will attend a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.
AI Summit
Modi and Macron to co-chair AI action summit
On February 11, Modi and Macron will co-chair the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit. The summit will focus on the safe and responsible applications of AI technologies.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted India's interest in AI technologies that are "designed, developed, deployed and used in a safe, humane, responsible and trustworthy manner."
The summit is expected to conclude with a leaders' declaration.
Marseille visit
Modi's visit to include inauguration of Indian consulate
Modi's France visit also includes a trip to Marseille on February 12. There, he and Macron will inaugurate an Indian consulate.
The leaders will also pay tribute at the Mazargues War Cemetery, honoring Indian soldiers from World War I.
They are expected to announce initiatives such as small modular reactors for civil nuclear cooperation and declare 2026 as the India-France Innovation Year.
Cadarache visit
Modi's France visit concludes with ITER tour
Modi's schedule in France ends with a visit to Cadarache, where the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is located.
India is also a part of the ITER.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said he was confident Modi's visit would "further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and France."
After wrapping up his engagements in France, Modi will head to the US on February 12.
US visit
Modi's 1st US visit since Trump's 2nd term inauguration
After his engagements in France, Modi will visit the US from February 12-14.
This will be his first visit after President Donald Trump's second term inauguration on January 20.
During the two-day working visit, Modi will hold bilateral meetings with President Trump and interact with business leaders and the Indian community.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the visit highlights the importance of India-US relations and bipartisan support in the US.