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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to France is a significant event shaping the geopolitical landscape and strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France. The visit's centerpiece is the co-chairing of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. This summit, held at the Grand Palais in Paris, brings together global leaders, CEOs, academics, and civil society representatives to address crucial issues surrounding AI's ethical development and global governance. The five primary themes – Public interest AI, Future of work, Innovation and culture, Trust in AI, and Global Governance of AI – highlight the comprehensive approach being taken to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this transformative technology. The summit builds upon previous events hosted in the UK and South Korea, reflecting a growing international consensus on the need for collaborative AI governance.
Beyond the AI summit, the visit promises substantial developments in the India-France bilateral relationship, particularly in the defense sector. The bilateral meeting in Marseille is expected to yield concrete outcomes and significant announcements. Diplomatic sources indicate that agreements on several crucial defense projects are anticipated. One of the most prominent is the potential procurement of 26 Rafale M fighter jets for the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier, a deal valued at over US$10 billion. This acquisition significantly enhances India's naval capabilities and strengthens its strategic partnerships. Furthermore, the deal for three additional Scorpene-Class submarines is expected to be finalized soon. These procurements underscore the growing strategic convergence between India and France in addressing regional security challenges. Beyond these specific deals, the discussions encompass a broader strategic partnership, including co-design and co-development of a jet engine for India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter, as previously outlined in the joint statement during PM Modi's July 2023 visit.
The India-France partnership extends beyond defense cooperation. The discussions encompass a wide range of areas, from Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and aircraft MRO facilities in India to a bilateral AI roadmap and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The IMEC project exemplifies the broader strategic vision of fostering economic stability and connectivity in the region. France's active engagement with the IMEC initiative, including the appointment of a Special Envoy, demonstrates its commitment to shaping the economic and geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific. France's focus on a new strategy for the Indian Ocean and its emphasis on a partnership with India as a key ally underscore the significance of counterbalancing any potential hegemonic influence in the region, particularly by China. This aspect of the bilateral talks underscores a shared commitment to maintaining a balanced and stable regional order.
The significance of this visit extends beyond the immediate agreements and discussions. It signals a deepening of strategic ties between India and France, addressing crucial issues in defense, technology, and economic cooperation. The collaboration on AI governance reflects a shared understanding of the global implications of advanced technologies and the need for responsible development. The emphasis on defense collaborations underscores a commitment to bolstering regional security and deterring potential threats. In conclusion, PM Modi's visit to France is more than a series of bilateral meetings and summits; it is a statement of intent and a testament to the growing importance of the strategic partnership between India and France in navigating the complexities of the 21st-century world. The visit successfully lays the groundwork for deeper engagement across multiple sectors and represents a significant step towards solidifying a robust and multi-faceted partnership that addresses both present and future challenges. The subsequent US trip, scheduled immediately after the French visit, further emphasizes India's role on the global stage and the significance of its strategic alliances.
Source: Modi's packed visit to France - To co-chair AI action summit with Macron