During their their conversation, PM Modi congratulated Vance on his electoral victory…reports Asian Lite News
In a warm display of camaraderie, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a friendly hug as he arrived in Paris for a special dinner at the Elysee Palace, highlighting the strong bond between the two leaders and their nations.
Macron greeted Modi upon his arrival, and the two leaders exchanged open remarks before beginning conversations. More dignitaries showed up for Macron’s dinner, including US Vice President (V-P) JD Vance.
PM Modi, V-P Vance, and President Macron met on the sidelines of a dinner held by the French President in Paris’ Elysee Palace.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with French President Emmanuel Macron and US Vice President J.D. Vance,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Other notable participants at the working dinner were Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
In addition to improving bilateral ties, PM Modi’s visit to France will involve lengthy conversations with Macron about strategic collaboration, technical innovation, and artificial intelligence.
PM Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit with the French President, bringing together global leaders and tech sector executives to discuss AI-driven developments for the public benefit. The visit is also significant in that the two Presidents will jointly establish India’s first consulate in Marseille, marking a watershed moment in diplomatic relations.
The importance of PM Modi’s visit is underscored by France’s warm reception, with Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu receiving him at the airport.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the update on X, stating, “PM Narendra Modi arrived in Paris to a special welcome. Warmly received by Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu of France at the airport.”
The visit aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen the India-France strategic partnership, including reviewing progress on the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, an initiative focused on long-term cooperation in key sectors.
During his stay, PM Modi will travel to Cadarche with Macron, where they will visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a significant international collaboration in nuclear fusion research. In a tribute to historical ties, the Prime Minister will also visit the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille to honour Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the World Wars. Both leaders will also inaugurate India’s newest Consulate General in Marseille.
Following his engagements in France, PM Modi will embark on the second leg of his tour, heading to the US at the invitation of President Donald Trump. The visit is expected to reinforce India’s global partnerships, focusing on key areas of collaboration in technology, defence, and economic growth.
Modi Lauds Vance’s Win
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Vice President J.D. Vance during a dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the state dinner, marked PM Modi’s first interaction with the top leadership of the Trump administration ahead of his upcoming visit to Washington.
During their conversation, PM Modi congratulated Vance on his electoral victory.
“Congratulations. Great, great victory,” he said while shaking hands with the US Vice President.
The Prime Minister’s Office shared the photos of the interaction, stating, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with French President Emmanuel Macron and US Vice President J.D. Vance.”
Following his engagements in France, PM Modi will proceed to the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump. His visit aims to further strengthen India’s global partnerships, with a particular focus on technology, defence, and economic cooperation.
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi recalled his previous collaboration with Trump during the Republican leader’s first presidential term and expressed eagerness to meet him again.
“Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US,” PM Modi said in a statement.
He emphasised that the visit would provide an opportunity to build on past successes and develop a forward-looking agenda in key sectors such as trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience.
“This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in his first term and develop an agenda to further elevate and deepen our partnership,” he added.
PM Modi and Trump are expected to discuss a range of strategic issues, including trade policies, defence cooperation, and global security challenges. The visit gains significance against the backdrop of recent policy shifts in the US, including deportation measures affecting Indian nationals and discussions on reciprocal tariffs.
Last month, the two leaders held a phone call in which Trump underscored the need for India to increase its defence purchases from the US while also pushing for a balanced trade relationship. They also touched upon the QUAD alliance and the ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
Before heading to Washington, PM Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit with President Macron, bringing together global leaders and industry experts to deliberate on AI-driven technological advancements for public welfare.
The visit also marks a diplomatic milestone as PM Modi and Macron will jointly inaugurate India’s first consulate in Marseille, further strengthening Indo-French ties.
ALSO READ: Trump Comes with Another Blow
ALSO READ: Jaishankar Meets French Counterpart in Paris
