PM Modi in France: Highlights from the AI action summit and bilateral meetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his visit to France, delivered the inaugural address at the AI Action Summit in Paris, where he joined French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The summit, focused on the future of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighted the need for inclusive and sustainable AI development, with a special emphasis on global cooperation, skilling, and accessibility, particularly for the Global South.

India and France Call for Democratised AI Access

During his keynote speech, PM Modi stressed the importance of skilling and reskilling people to adapt to an AI-driven world. He reiterated that governance should focus on ensuring equitable access to AI technologies, particularly for developing nations. Macron, in turn, announced that foreign and domestic companies would be investing a total of $109 billion in AI projects in France, positioning the country as a major AI hub.

The summit saw India endorsing the Paris AI Summit's 'Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence', which prioritizes open, transparent, ethical, and safe AI development. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that New Delhi’s approach to AI will not be influenced by the global AI "race" but rather driven by its own AI mission, ensuring that public interest remains at the core of AI advancements.

India to Host the Next AI Summit

In a major announcement, President Macron confirmed that India will host the next global AI summit, further cementing India’s role as a leader in AI development. PM Modi welcomed this opportunity, stating that India is committed to making AI more inclusive and ensuring that it benefits all, especially in underdeveloped regions.

US and UK Skip Signing AI Declaration

While several nations endorsed the AI declaration, the United States and the United Kingdom did not sign the agreement, which promotes transparent, ethical, and sustainable AI development. US Vice President JD Vance stated that the US intends to maintain dominance in AI technologies and prevent authoritarian regimes from misusing AI for surveillance and censorship. He emphasized that Washington aims to build the most powerful AI systems domestically while seeking global partnerships in the industry.

Bilateral Meetings: Strengthening India-France Ties

Apart from the AI summit, PM Modi held a meeting with Alar Karis, President of Estonia, discussing bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity and digital transformation. He invited Estonian companies to explore opportunities in India, particularly under initiatives like Digital India.

At the 14th India-France CEO Forum, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the improved ease of doing business in India, citing enhanced infrastructure under the Gati Shakti initiative. He urged global CEOs to take advantage of India’s evolving economic landscape and reliable supply chains.

Jaishankar also addressed ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, urging business leaders to play an active role in shaping a balanced and mutually beneficial trade framework. He stated that only a multipolar world can ensure AI develops with the least bias, advocating for diversified production and deeper business collaborations.

India’s AI Advancements

India also showcased its indigenous AI chatbots, which have been integrated into various government initiatives like Agristack, DigiLocker, and the Bhashini app—an AI-powered translation tool developed under the National Language Translation Mission. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) reiterated India's commitment to leveraging AI for public interest, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.

A Call for Global AI Cooperation

In his concluding remarks, PM Modi called for international collaboration in AI governance, emphasizing the need for bias-free datasets and AI-driven solutions that help in healthcare, education, and agriculture. He congratulated France for successfully hosting the summit and pledged India’s full support in fostering global AI partnerships.

"Governance is not just about managing conflicts but also about promoting innovation for global good," PM Modi said, underlining India’s vision for a more inclusive and sustainable digital future.

With this landmark visit, India and France have strengthened their strategic partnership, setting the stage for deeper collaboration in AI, trade, and global governance.