The AI Action Summit, held in Paris on February 10–11, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in the global discourse on artificial intelligence (AI) and underscored the deepening partnership between India and France. Co-chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit brought together global leaders, tech CEOs, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of AI, its ethical implications, and its role in driving sustainable development. The event not only highlighted the collaborative spirit between India and France but also showcased their shared vision for a multi-polar world and strategic autonomy.
A Summit of Global Significance
The AI Action Summit attracted a host of international luminaries, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, European Union leaders, US Vice President J. Van. The presence of such high-profile stakeholders underscored the global importance of AI and its potential to transform economies, societies, and governance. However, the spotlight remained firmly on the Modi-Macron partnership, which has become a cornerstone of India-France relations.
Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the summit marked his sixth visit to France, reflecting the strategic importance both nations attach to their bilateral relationship. Following the summit, Modi and Macron addressed the India-France Business Forum, emphasizing enhanced economic cooperation. The Indian Prime Minister then traveled to Marseille for a series of high-level engagements, including bilateral talks with Macron, a visit to a World War I cemetery to honor Indian soldiers, and the inauguration of India’s second diplomatic mission in France.
Key Agreements and Strategic Partnerships
The summit was expected to yield significant agreements in defense, nuclear energy, and bilateral trade, further solidifying the India-France partnership. Defense cooperation remains a key pillar of this relationship, with France being India’s second-largest arms supplier, accounting for 33% of India’s arms imports from 2019 to 2023. The two nations have also collaborated on global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (2015) and now the AI Action Summit, showcasing their shared commitment to addressing global challenges.
Divergent Perspectives on AI Regulation
The summit also highlighted the differing international approaches to AI regulation. While the United States and the United Kingdom declined to sign a declaration advocating for “inclusive and sustainable” AI, citing concerns over potential overregulation, leaders like Macron and Modi championed ethical and collaborative AI development. Prime Minister Modi outlined India’s AI vision, emphasizing the need for regulation, trust, and addressing inherent biases in AI models. He also stressed the importance of sustainable AI training and collective global efforts to establish governance frameworks that uphold shared values and ensure access to AI capabilities, particularly in the Global South.
Modi’s remarks resonated with the summit’s broader theme of balancing innovation with responsibility. He noted that while AI is a powerful disruptor, history has shown that technology does not eliminate jobs but transforms them, creating new opportunities. This perspective aligns with India’s focus on leveraging AI for inclusive growth and development.
The Modi-Macron Dynamic: A Partnership Built on Shared Values
The camaraderie between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron was a defining feature of the summit. Their partnership is rooted in a shared worldview, strategic autonomy, and a commitment to a multi-polar global order. France’s support for India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council and its refusal to comment on India’s domestic issues, unlike other European powers, further strengthens this bond.
The personal diplomacy between the two leaders has also played a crucial role. Macron’s decision to invite Modi as the chief guest for France’s Republic Day celebrations in 2024 and their frequent meetings—three times in 2024 alone—highlight the depth of their engagement. This personal investment has translated into tangible outcomes, from defense deals to collaborative global initiatives.
Four Pillars of the India-France Partnership
The India-France relationship can be distilled into four key factors:
- Shared Worldview: Both nations advocate for a multi-polar world and strategic autonomy. France’s independent foreign policy, exemplified by its withdrawal from NATO’s military command structure in 1966, aligns with India’s non-aligned stance and its pursuit of strategic self-reliance.
- Defense Ties: Defense trade has been a cornerstone of the relationship, fostering trust and mutual respect. France’s willingness to share technology and support India’s defense needs has created a lasting bond.
- Personal Diplomacy: French leaders have consistently demonstrated a commitment to strengthening ties with India. From refusing to impose sanctions after India’s 1998 nuclear tests to frequent high-level visits, France has shown a deep personal investment in the relationship.
- Alignment of Interests: As an Indo-Pacific power, France shares India’s concerns about regional security and stability. With territories like Réunion Island and French Polynesia, France has a physical presence in the region, making it a natural partner for India.
Marseille: A Strategic Gateway
Modi’s visit to Marseille, a historic city in southern France, underscored its strategic importance as a gateway for technology, trade, energy, and economic collaboration. The bilateral talks in Marseille, the tribute to Indian soldiers, and the inauguration of a new diplomatic mission were symbolic of India’s growing footprint in France and its commitment to deepening ties.
A Model Partnership in a Multi-Polar World
The AI Action Summit 2025 not only showcased the collaborative spirit between India and France but also highlighted their shared vision for a future shaped by ethical and inclusive AI development. As two nations committed to strategic autonomy and a multi-polar world order, India and France have forged a partnership that serves as a model for international cooperation. With key agreements in defense, nuclear energy, and trade on the horizon, the India-France relationship is poised to reach new heights, driven by mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to global progress.
In a world grappling with the challenges and opportunities of AI, the Modi-Macron partnership stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that collaboration and trust can pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
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