Paris, February 11, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India met with US Vice President JD Vance during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace, marking a significant diplomatic meeting.
This was the Prime Minister’s first interaction with any US senior official from the present administration before traveling to Washington, D.C.
The Exchange of Goodwill and Congratulatory Messages
The Prime Minister warmly congratulated Vice President Vance on the recent elections as they met. “Congratulations. Great, great victory,” remarked Modi, while shaking hands. This cordial interaction was posted by the Prime Minister’s Office along with photographs to highlight the convivial relationship shared between the two leaders.
Furthering India-Franco Relations
Earlier in the evening, President Macron welcomed PM Modi with a warm embrace, a gesture underscoring the strong diplomatic treatise binding India and France.
The two leaders are set to co-chair the AI Action Summit in Paris, which includes matters covering the development of artificial intelligence and its applications across sectors.
The AI Action Summit: A Joint Effort
This summit, co-chaired by PM Modi and President Macron, aims to bring together global leaders, business executives, and policymakers to discuss the rapid developments in artificial intelligence.
It would explore collaborative frameworks for leveraging AI for public welfare, looking into various areas, like health, education, and agriculture.
The United States Awaits
After his engagements in France, PM Modi is to visit the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump. This visit is directed toward strengthening the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US, focusing on technology, defense, and economic ties.
In recalling their past partnership with Trump, Modi commented, “This, from January, will be our first meeting as Trump has become president after his historic electoral win, with fond memories of working with him during the first part of his tenure as we created a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US.”
Congregation Outline for US Visit
Past discussions will shed light on the prospects regarding collaboration on a strategy covering trade policies, defense cooperation, global security challenges, and social inclusivity.
As the background to the visit, in recent weeks, the US has introduced a set of changes in policy including deportation issues faced by citizens of India and reiteration of discussions on mutual tariffs.
Inauguration of Indian Consulate in Marseille
In a bid to further strengthen Indo-French ties, PM Modi and President Macron would together inaugurate India’s newest consulate in Marseille. It would increase diplomatic outreach and also better serve the large Indian diaspora living in France.
Interactions between PM Modi and global leaders, Vice President JD Vance and President Emmanuel Macron, have been clear examples of India’s willingness to strengthen its international partnerships.
Engagements, once more in France and the United States, are set to affirm India’s further strategic interests in technology, defense, and economic collaboration.
