Macron Highlights India-France Shared Interests Ahead of Modi’s Visit

President Macron and PM Modi are set to discuss shared interests during Modi’s two-nation tour, focusing on AI and technology. Macron praised India’s education strengths and the importance of friendship between the countries. Modi’s itinerary includes a dinner with tech CEOs and a visit to a war cemetery, reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and France.

Ahead of his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Emmanuel Macron of France highlighted the shared interests between the two nations, focusing on their camaraderie. Prime Minister Modi commenced a significant two-nation tour starting with France, where he will co-chair the AI Action Summit and engage in conversations with business leaders and participate in bilateral discussions.

During a conversation with French network France24, President Macron discussed the far-reaching implications of artificial intelligence and the strengthening India-France relations. He lauded India’s prowess in technology and education, stating that “India is a training superpower — one million engineers a year, more than the US and Europe combined.” Macron underscored their mutual aims rooted in friendship and cooperation.

Macron extended greetings to the Indian populace in Hindi and expressed gratitude in their language, reinforcing cultural connections. Prime Minister Modi’s agenda during this official visit includes attending a dinner hosted by Macron at the Élysée Palace, where numerous technology CEOs will be in attendance, and facilitating discussions at the AI Action Summit on February 11.

Additionally, Modi and Macron plan to pay their respects at the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, commemorating the invaluable contributions of Indian soldiers in World War I. The visit underscores the solidified strategic partnership that India and France celebrated last year, which encompasses various domains, including defence, space, economy, and trade.

The context of this engagement between India and France is bolstered by their longstanding strategic partnership, which reached a significant milestone last year with the 25th anniversary celebration. The partnership is rooted in collaboration across multiple sectors, such as defence, nuclear energy, and space exploration. Prime Minister Modi’s current tour is aimed at further enhancing bilateral relations, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and technological collaboration.

In summary, the upcoming meetings between President Macron and Prime Minister Modi signify a reinforced commitment to advancing India-France relations, reflecting their shared interests, especially in technology and education. Both leaders are keen on fostering collaborative efforts at the AI Action Summit and commemorating historical ties through their tribute to Indian soldiers.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com