Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a crucial two-nation visit to France and the United States on Monday, with a focus on AI collaboration, trade, defence, and energy partnerships. During the visit, Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron before heading to Washington for his first meeting with US President Donald Trump in his second term.
AI and Bilateral Cooperation in France
In Paris, Modi and Macron will discuss ways to ensure the safe and inclusive use of AI while launching an AI Foundation. The summit, attended by world leaders and tech CEOs, will be a platform for collaboration on AI innovation and security.
Following the summit, both leaders will travel to Marseille to hold bilateral talks and inaugurate the first Indian consulate in France. Modi highlighted that the visit will allow both countries to review progress on the 2047 Horizon Roadmap for their strategic partnership.
Modi will also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, where India is part of a consortium working on advanced nuclear energy solutions. Additionally, he will pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World Wars I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery.
Modi’s Meeting with Trump in Washington
Following his engagements in France, Modi will travel to the US at Trump’s invitation. Expressing his enthusiasm for the meeting, Modi said he has “a very warm recollection” of working with Trump during his first term to build a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US.
Modi’s discussions with Trump will focus on technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience. The meeting is expected to further deepen US-India collaboration, following Trump’s request for India to purchase more American defence equipment and energy resources.
Concerns Over US Deportations of Indian Migrants
A key issue that may be raised during the visit is the recent deportation of 104 Indian migrants from the US, with reports indicating that around 600 more illegal migrants are set to be repatriated. Images of deportees in handcuffs and shackles sparked outrage in India, prompting the government to formally register its concerns.
Strengthening US-India Trade Relations
Trade, investment, and energy procurement will be central to Modi’s discussions with Trump. Reports suggest that India may ease tariffs on US goods and increase oil and gas imports from America, which currently ranks fifth among India’s energy suppliers.
During Trump’s first term, Modi visited the US in 2017 and 2019, and he was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his election victory last year. Following Trump’s inauguration, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India at the event, further reinforcing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Sources By Agencies
