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On the first day, President Macron spent time with PM Modi at the dinner hosted by him. The camaraderie continued the next day at the AI Action Summit, which was co-hosted by India and France
In an extraordinary gesture of friendship, PM Modi and President Macron travelled together in a joint motorcade and in the same plane to Marseille. (News18)
A unique aspect of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France has been the time and respect given by President Emmanuel Macron to him.
On the first day, President Macron spent time with PM Modi at the dinner hosted by him. The camaraderie continued the next day at the AI Action Summit, which was co-hosted by India and France.
“Welcome to Paris, my friend @narendramodi,” Macron wrote on X as he shared a video of the PM’s arrival at the Elysee Palace for the welcome dinner.
At the venue, PM Modi met several other world leaders who attended the AI Summit, including US Vice President JD Vance — the first such meeting of the two leaders after Vance took oath last month. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also shared photos of the three leaders interacting with each other during the welcome dinner.
President Emmanuel Macron’s office also said India will host the next international summit on Artificial Intelligence.
Demonstrating their close ties, the two leaders hosted the India-France CEOs Forum together, reflecting their shared vision for economic collaboration.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, “This is more than just a business event — it’s a convergence of the brightest minds from India and France. You are embracing the mantra of innovation, collaboration, and elevation, driving progress with purpose. Beyond forging boardroom connections, you are actively reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and France.”
He also underlined the deep trust and shared values between India and France, citing democratic principles, innovation, and serving the people as the pillars of their friendship. “India and France aren’t just connected by democratic values. Deep trust, innovation, and serving the people are the pillars of our friendship. Our relationship isn’t limited to just our two nations. Together, we’re providing solutions to global problems,” PM Modi added.
In an extraordinary gesture of friendship, they travelled together in a joint motorcade and in the same plane to Marseille. President Macron also hosted PM Modi for a working dinner in Marseille immediately on landing.
The special bond will be further highlighted on Wednesday as President Macron joins PM Modi to inaugurate the Indian Consulate in Marseille. They will also visit the ITER project and the Marseille port together, underscoring the depth of this unique partnership.
Such proximity and time being given by a leader like Macron for any world leader rarely has any precedent.
The prime minister also received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in Marseille following his arrival. Marseille is a key gateway for trade between India and France due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast. It is also one of the entry points for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
