Marseille, France: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a visit to France, arrived in Marseille on Tuesday night alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The city holds historical significance in India’s independence movement, as it was the site of Veer Savarkar’s daring escape attempt from British custody in 1910.
During his visit, Modi recalled Savarkar’s story, emphasizing Marseille’s role in India’s fight for freedom. In 1910, while being transported from London to India by British authorities, Savarkar leaped from a ship into the waters of Marseille in an attempt to escape. He was later recaptured by British forces, prompting the French government to protest his arrest and escalate the matter to the International Court of Justice.
Tribute to Indian Soldiers and Inauguration of Indian Consulate
On Wednesday morning, PM Modi paid homage to Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I at the Mazargues War Cemetery. He then inaugurated the new Indian Consulate in Marseille, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties between India and France. Modi also interacted with members of the Indian community, acknowledging their contributions to fostering cultural and economic relations between the two nations.
AI Summit in Paris: India to Host Next Edition
Earlier, on the second day of his visit, Modi attended the AI Summit in Paris, where he announced that India would host the next edition of the global AI conference. He spoke about AI’s transformative impact on society and the economy, emphasizing the need to harness its potential responsibly.
“AI is reshaping our world, creating new opportunities and challenges. Instead of fearing job losses, we must focus on how AI can generate new employment avenues,” Modi stated.
He also highlighted India’s success in building cost-effective digital infrastructure and its commitment to leveraging AI for public welfare.
Global Leaders Discuss AI’s Future
The AI Action Summit in Paris saw participation from 90 countries. French President Emmanuel Macron positioned France as a leader in AI innovation, stressing the country’s strong energy resources and skilled workforce. He made a pointed remark about AI development, saying:
“A good friend of mine says, ‘Drill, baby, drill.’ But in France, it’s ‘Plug, baby, plug,’ because we have an abundance of electricity and human resources.”
Macron’s comments indirectly referenced the U.S. energy policy, highlighting France’s focus on sustainable AI development. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance cautioned against excessive AI regulations, warning that overregulation could stifle innovation.
Modi Attends India-France CEO Forum
Later, Modi participated in the 14th India-France CEO Forum in Paris, calling it a platform for business leaders to strengthen economic cooperation. He praised the growing India-France partnership and reiterated the importance of collaboration in emerging technologies like AI and renewable energy.
“This is our sixth meeting in two years, reflecting the deep trust and friendship between India and France. Our strategic partnership continues to grow stronger,” Modi said.
Bilateral Talks with Macron on the Agenda
Following his engagements in Marseille, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Macron. The discussions are expected to cover defense cooperation, trade, technology partnerships, and global geopolitical issues.
PM Modi’s visit to France began on Monday night with a grand welcome in Paris, including a red carpet reception at the Élysée Palace and a special dinner hosted by President Macron.
