Indian PM Modi to Visit France for AI Summit, Strengthening Strategic Ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit France on Monday to co-chair an international summit on artificial intelligence in Paris, where industry leaders, including executives from OpenAI and DeepSeek, are expected to participate.

The summit, hosted by France in collaboration with India, underscores President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to deepen technological and strategic ties with New Delhi. With Europe’s strained relations with Beijing and shifting dynamics with Washington, France and the European Union are increasingly viewing India as a key partner.

Modi and Macron have built a strong relationship over the years, with reciprocal visits marking their diplomatic engagements. Both leaders advocate for strategic autonomy, aligning with India’s non-alignment policy and France’s independent stance on global affairs.

Following the AI summit, Modi and Macron will travel to Marseille, a city positioned as a potential European hub for Modi’s India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), unveiled at the G20 summit in 2023 as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

India’s growing role in global trade and technology has made it a vital partner for Europe. The EU and India share common interests in navigating geopolitical tensions, diversifying economic ties, and countering China’s influence. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently announced an upcoming visit to India, focusing on trade agreements and AI collaboration.

The Paris AI summit will feature top executives and political leaders, including Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Major AI deals are expected to be signed, similar to last year’s €15 billion investment secured at France’s “Choose France” summit, where India was the guest of honor.

Defense cooperation will also be a key focus during Modi’s visit. India, the world’s largest arms importer, is gradually reducing its reliance on Russian defense supplies and expanding ties with Western nations. A deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy may be finalized during the visit.

France remains India’s oldest European partner in the space sector, with ties dating back to 1964. Meanwhile, other European nations, including Spain, Italy, and Poland, are also strengthening military cooperation with India, seeking to capitalize on its expanding defense manufacturing sector.