Prateeksha Thakur
New Delhi, 10 Feb 2024
Ahead of his trip to the United States from February 12-13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Paris on February 10 for a three-day visit. This trip marks an important step in further strengthening India’s global partnerships, starting with France. PM Modi expressed his eagerness to meet US President Donald Trump, calling him a “friend” and reflecting on their successful collaboration during Trump’s first term. The meeting with Trump will be their first since his return to office in January, and the focus will be on advancing the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US.
Also read: PM Modi to visit US on February 12-13, set to meet President Trump
Before heading to the US, PM Modi’s visit to Paris will focus on advancing the India-France relationship, particularly in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear energy. This visit provides an opportunity to deepen ties with France and explore new avenues of collaboration across these critical domains.
Key Focus of PM Modi’s Visit to France
In Paris, one of the key events will be the AI Action Summit, which PM Modi will co-chair with French President Emmanuel Macron on February 11. The summit will address the global governance of AI, a field that is rapidly shaping economies and societies worldwide.
Paying Tribute and Advancing Nuclear Energy Collaboration
A major highlight of PM Modi’s Paris visit will be his tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille. The visit honors the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the World Wars and strengthens the historical ties between India and France. PM Modi will also visit Cadarache, home to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a major project focused on creating clean nuclear fusion energy, in which India is a key participant.
Additionally, discussions will center on the ongoing Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant project in India, where French technology plays a vital role. Both nations are focused on overcoming financial and technical challenges to advance nuclear energy collaboration. The visit also provides an opportunity to explore newer nuclear energy technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), as part of their shared vision for a sustainable energy future.
25-year long Partnership
PM Modi’s visit to France is an important moment in the 25-year strategic partnership between the two nations. Over the years, India and France have expanded cooperation across various sectors, from defense to climate change. This visit builds on that foundation and further strengthens the ties between the two countries. The relationship between PM Modi and President Macron has grown in recent years, with the French leader attending India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations in January 2024 and both leaders meeting regularly at international forums like the G7 and G20 summits.
Following his Paris visit, PM Modi will head to the US for his first bilateral meeting with President Trump since his return to office. This meeting will focus on enhancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, particularly in technology, trade, and energy.
NI Bureau
