PM Modi France Visit Live: PM Modi departs for US after wrapping up France visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in the US late on Wednesday beginning his two-day US visit, during which he will hold a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump seeking to shore up bilateral cooperation.

A range of bilateral issues are expected to be on the table, with foreign policy-watchers indicating that some of the sensitive issues may also figure in the discussions.

However, there is no official word yet on the agenda to be taken up during Modi's visit.

On the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the birthday celebrations of Vivek, US Vice-President JD Vance’s son with US Second Lady Usha Chilukuri, Vance’s wife. He presented gifts to all three of JD Vance's kids.

He gifted a wooden railway toy to Vivek Vance, a jigsaw puzzle based on Indian folk paintings to Ewan Blaine Vance and a wooden alphabet set to Mirabel Rose Vance. Read more

PM Modi gifted an exquisite silver hand-engraved table mirror from Rajasthan to the First Lady of France Brigitte Macron. Its intricate silver frame features floral and peacock motifs, symbolizing beauty, nature, and grace. Meticulously engraved and polished to a brilliant shine, the mirror reflects Rajasthan’s rich tradition of metalwork. Crafted by skilled artisans, it serves as both a functional and decorative heirloom, embodying timeless elegance and artistic excellence.

PM Narendra Modi took to X and posted, "Strengthening Maritime Ties in Marseille! President Emmanuel Macron and I visited the control room of CMA-CGM, a global leader in shipping and logistics. As India expands its maritime and trade networks, collaborations with industry leaders will play a crucial role in boosting connectivity, supply chains and economic growth. We are working towards enhancing India-France cooperation in logistics, sustainability and global trade, reinforcing our shared vision for a better maritime future."

PM Modi US Visit Live: Au Revoir France

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to France has come to an end as he left for Washington DC on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, jointly visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Cadarache earlier today. The leaders were welcomed by Director General, ITER. This was the first visit by any Head of State or Head of Government to ITER - one of the most ambitious fusion energy projects in the world today.

PM Modi on Wednesday held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in which they reviewed the progress in the areas of defence, space, civil nuclear corporation, health and people to people corporation.

The discussions resulted in France agreeing to host Indian startups at the French Start-up Incubator Station F.

PM Modi France Visit Live: PM Modi visits Mazargues War Cemetery, says 'bravery will never be forgotten'

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that AI was a key topic in bilateral discussions. He also announced that 2026 has been designated as the India-France Year of Innovation. In addition, the leaders shared their perspectives on recent geopolitical events in Europe, West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, engaging in discussions on various global and regional issues of significance.

PM Modi France Visit Live: 'A historic day Marseilles'

• Commitment to Environmental Action: Prime Minister Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their dedication to addressing global environmental challenges, including climate change and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles.
• Bilateral Cooperation on Environment: Both leaders welcomed the renewal of environmental cooperation between their respective Ministries of Environment.
• Paris Pact for People and the Planet: They reiterated their support for reforms in the international financing system to help vulnerable nations combat poverty while preserving the planet.
• United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC-3): The leaders recognized UNOC-3 as a key milestone in global efforts for ocean conservation and sustainable use.
• Support for BBNJ Agreement: France and India acknowledged the importance of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity Beyond Areas of Natural Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) as a cornerstone of inclusive international ocean governance.
• Call for Early Implementation: Having signed the BBNJ Agreement, both nations urged its swift entry into force.
• India’s Support for UNOC-3: Prime Minister Modi expressed India's commitment to supporting France in hosting UNOC-3 in Nice in June 2025.

• AI Cooperation: India and France co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit and committed to ensuring AI drives "beneficial social, economic and environmental outcomes in the public interest." India will host the next AI Summit.
• Strategic Partnership: Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and pledged to accelerate cooperation across its three pillars.
• Defence Collaboration: They welcomed progress in constructing Scorpene submarines in India, integration of DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), and discussions on missiles, helicopter engines, and jet engines.
• UN Reforms: France reiterated its "firm support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC" and agreed to "coordinate closely in multilateral fora, including on UNSC matters."
• Nuclear Energy: They reaffirmed civil nuclear cooperation, including progress on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project and signing of a letter of intent on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR).
• Cybersecurity & Digital Payments: The leaders welcomed the expanded use of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France and stressed strengthening cooperation on cybersecurity.
• Economic & Trade Relations: They noted record bilateral trade in 2024 and "acknowledged that there is vast untapped potential for trade and investment between the two countries."
• Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: They reaffirmed "unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms," and emphasized disrupting terrorism financing networks and safe havens.
• Student Mobility: The International Classes Scheme was launched, helping Indian students integrate into French universities, with student numbers expected to reach 10,000 in 2025.
• Olympics & Sports Collaboration: Modi congratulated Macron on the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics and appreciated France's "willingness to share experience and expertise" for India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

The two leaders reiterated their call for reformed and effective multilateralism to sustain an equitable and peaceful international order, address pressing global challenges and prepare the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic domains. The two leaders stressed, in particular, the urgent need for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and agreed to coordinate closely in multilateral fora, including on UNSC matters. France reiterated its firm support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC. The two leaders agreed to strengthen conversations on regulation of use of the veto in case of mass atrocities. They held extensive discussions on long-term global challenges and current international developments and agreed to intensify their global and regional engagement, including through multilateral initiatives and institutions.

PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron pay tributes to the Indian soldiers - WATCH

PM Modi France Visit Live: Modi & Macron pay tributes to Indian soldiers in Marseille

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron continue their engagements after arriving in Marseille together on the same flight, latest reports say. Their visit began with a working dinner, setting the stage for today's key events. The two leaders will jointly inaugurate the Indian Consulate in Marseille, followed by visits to the ITER project and the Marseille port, highlighting their commitment to strengthening Indo-French collaboration.

• Founding members have launched a significant Public Interest AI Platform and Incubator aimed at strengthening, unifying, and reducing fragmentation among existing public and private initiatives focused on Public Interest AI. This initiative seeks to bridge digital divides by sustaining digital public goods and supporting technical assistance, capacity-building efforts, and collaboration in areas such as data, model development, transparency, audits, computing resources, talent, financing, and openness. The ultimate goal is to co-create and nurture a trustworthy AI ecosystem that serves the collective public interest—by all, for all.
• For the first time, a multi-stakeholder summit has provided a platform to discuss AI’s intersection with energy. This exchange of ideas has facilitated the sharing of knowledge to drive investments in sustainable AI systems, including energy-efficient hardware, infrastructure, and models. It has also initiated a broader international dialogue on AI’s environmental impact, welcomed the establishment of an observatory in collaboration with the International Energy Agency to assess AI’s energy footprint, and highlighted innovative AI solutions designed to be energy-conscious.
• Recognizing the importance of understanding AI’s impact on the labor market, we support the creation of a network of observatories to analyze and anticipate AI-driven changes in workplaces, training, and education. This initiative aims to harness AI for boosting productivity, enhancing skill development, improving job quality and working conditions, and strengthening social dialogue.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the AI Action Summit and the 14th India-France CEOs Forum in Paris. Speaking at the event, PM Modi emphasized the significance of the gathering, stating, "This is more than just a business event—it's a convergence of the brightest minds from India and France. You are embracing the mantra of innovation, collaboration, and elevation, driving progress with purpose. Beyond forging boardroom connections, you are actively strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France."
• He also highlighted the deep trust and shared values between the two nations, emphasizing democracy, innovation, and service to the people as the pillars of their enduring friendship.
• On the sidelines of the AI Action Summit, PM Modi also met with US Vice President JD Vance, his Indian-origin wife, Usha, and their two young sons. During their interaction, the Prime Minister held bilateral talks with Vance, while Usha observed the discussions.

On the final day of his three-day visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's agenda includes key programs aimed at strengthening India-France relations. These include the inauguration of India's second consulate in the country and a tribute ceremony at the Mazargues War Cemetery to honor soldiers who perished in the First and Second World Wars. Additionally, Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a global nuclear fusion research initiative.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's summit with President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday, India is considering acquiring six additional P-8I long-range maritime patrol and submarine-hunting aircraft from the US. The deal, which had been on hold for nearly three years, is now under "re-examination," according to a report by the Times of India. The move aims to enhance surveillance in the Indian Ocean and beyond, countering China’s growing presence in the region. (Read More)

• The Modi-Trump meeting will have vital consequences for India, all of which may not be apparent immediately
• It comes in the backdrop of India’s economy stepping down to a lower growth rate, even as China ramps up its export momentum
• China’s furious pace of exports is posing a threat to the ASEAN region as their manufacturing sector is unable to compete effectively  (Read More)

• French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the AI Action Summit on Tuesday, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to artificial intelligence. Emphasizing the need for trust in AI for its ethical and effective development, Macron’s remarks aligned with the summit’s focus on global AI governance.
• "Fair and open access is fundamental, and the issue of accessibility is of decisive importance. We need broad access, involving players from Asia Pacific, Latin America, and all regions of the world. This must extend across continents and countries, as demonstrated by Prime Minister Modi," Macron stated.
• He underscored the importance of AI serving as a unifying force rather than a tool of division.
• "We do not want a system where power is concentrated in the hands of a few while others are left behind. AI should serve the entire planet. I do not believe the world should be divided into the global north and the global south merely observing one another. For AI to be truly trusted, equitable access to innovation must be ensured across all continents. This is a shared challenge for both public authorities and the private sector," he added.
• Macron also warned against the risk of an AI-driven generational divide, emphasizing that technological advancements should not deepen societal disparities.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday proposed hosting the next AI Action Summit in India, emphasizing the importance of inclusive global collaboration in artificial intelligence.
• In his closing remarks at the summit, co-chaired with French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi highlighted that discussions had demonstrated a "unity in vision and unity in purpose across stakeholders."
• "To sustain the momentum of this Action Summit, India would be happy to host the next edition," he stated, reaffirming India’s commitment to driving AI innovation.
• France hosted the inaugural AI Action Summit, bringing together global leaders and experts to explore AI’s role in shaping the future.
• Modi also welcomed the establishment of the 'AI Foundation' and the 'Council for Sustainable AI,' commending France and President Macron for their leadership in these initiatives.
• "We must make the 'Global Partnership for AI' truly global by ensuring it is more inclusive of the Global South, addressing its priorities, concerns, and needs," Modi urged, advocating for broader representation and equity in AI development.

• On the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the birthday celebrations of Vivek, son of US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Chilukuri Vance. The meeting highlighted the warm rapport between the two leaders and their families, with PM Modi presenting gifts to the Vance children and sharing lighthearted moments during the gathering.
• Expressing his gratitude on X, PM Modi wrote, “Had a wonderful meeting with US VP JD Vance and his family. We had a great conversation on various subjects. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek!” (Read More)

In a post on X, PM Modi shared, "President Macron and I arrived in Marseille a short while ago. This visit will feature key programs aimed at strengthening India-France ties. The inauguration of the Indian consulate will further enhance people-to-people connections. I will also pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the First and Second World Wars." @EmmanuelMacron

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the French port city of Marseille, where he paid tribute to freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who made a daring escape attempt there in 1910 while in British custody.
• "Landed in Marseille. This city holds a special place in India’s struggle for independence, as it was here that the great Veer Savarkar attempted a courageous escape," Modi wrote on X. He also acknowledged the people of Marseille and the French activists who opposed Savarkar’s extradition, stating, "The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!"

France is in discussions with India’s defense ministry to procure the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system, potentially marking a significant export deal for India, according to The Economic Times. A French delegation was given a demonstration of the Pinaka system in India late last year. (Read More)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Paris for a two-day visit to attend the AI Action Summit, where he co-chaired discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit emphasized the ethical and inclusive advancement of Artificial Intelligence, with global leaders exploring its transformative potential in sectors like health, education, and agriculture. In his address, PM Modi highlighted the need for international cooperation, stressing that AI should be utilized to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through shared resources and expertise. He also championed open-source AI systems to foster trust and transparency.