PM Modi Visits Marseille: A Key Leg In His France Tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Marseille alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, following his address at the prestigious AI Action Summit in Paris. The summit attracted key global figures, including EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

During his speech at the AI Action Summit, PM Modi emphasized the need for governments to invest in the training and reskilling of individuals to prepare for an AI-driven future. He underlined the importance of inclusive governance to ensure the benefits of AI are accessible to all, particularly in regions of the Global South.

Modi’s address resonated with France’s commitment to global collaboration in AI development. Following his remarks, France announced that India would host the next AI summit, marking a significant milestone in India’s growing role in global technology initiatives. Additionally, India promised to fully support France’s efforts in advancing AI technologies.

Strengthening India-France Business Ties

In parallel to the summit, Modi participated in the France-India CEOs Forum in Paris, where he called for enhanced collaboration between French and Indian businesses. He highlighted India’s progress in infrastructure, manufacturing, and production, encouraging global companies to tap into the vast opportunities in India’s growing market. The Prime Minister outlined India’s vision of becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047.

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The AI Action Summit gained even more significance due to the technological disruptions triggered by China’s DeepSeek program. In response, India’s IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced plans for India to develop its own domestic AI model, signaling the country’s drive towards self-reliance in cutting-edge technologies.

A Tribute To India’s War Heroes

On Wednesday, PM Modi visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The visit was a tribute to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during World War I. Modi paid his respects at the cemetery, honoring their bravery and contribution to global peace.

Later in the week, PM Modi and President Macron will visit Cadarache, the site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a high-tech nuclear fusion research project. This visit underscores the growing collaboration between India and France in the field of science and technology.

A Successful Visit, Strengthening Ties

Overall, PM Modi’s visit to France underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, with a strong focus on technology, business collaboration, and honoring shared histories. As India prepares to host the next AI summit and solidify its role in global tech advancements, the visit highlights the importance of international cooperation in shaping the future.