New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he looks forward to meeting “my friend, President Trump” during his visit to the US, and has very warm recollections of working together in Trump’s first term. He also said he looks forward to co-chairing the AI Action Summit along with President Emmanuel Macron during his France visit.
In his departure statement on Monday, as he left for France and the US, the PM said his US visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of their collaboration during President Trump’s first term and develop an agenda to further elevate and deepen the bilateral partnership, including in the areas of technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience.
The statement reads:
“At the invitation of President Macron, I will be visiting France from 10 to 12 February. In Paris, I look forward to co-chairing the AI Action Summit, a gathering of the world leaders and global tech CEOs, where we will exchange views on collaborative approach to AI technology for innovation and larger public good in an inclusive, secure and trustworthy manner.
“The bilateral segment of my visit will provide an opportunity to review the progress on 2047 Horizon Roadmap for India-France strategic partnership along with my friend President Macron.
“We will also travel to the historic French city of Marseille to inaugurate the first Indian Consulate in France and also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, in which India is a member of the consortium of partner countries including France, to harness energy for the global good. I will also pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World Wars I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery.
“From France, I will proceed on a two day visit to the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump. I look forward to meeting my friend, President Trump. Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US.
“This visit will be an opportunity to build upon the successes of our collaboration in his first term and develop an agenda to further elevate and deepen our partnership, including in the areas of technology, trade, defence, energy, and supply chain resilience. We will work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our two countries and shape a better future for the world.”
In a post on X, the PM said:
“Over the next few days, I will be in France and USA to take part in various programmes.
“In France, I will be taking part in the AI Action Summit, where India is the co-chair. I will be holding talks with President @EmmanuelMacron towards strengthening India-France relations. We will also be going to Marseille to inaugurate a Consulate there.
“In Washington DC, I look forward to meeting @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This visit will further cement India-USA friendship and boost ties in diverse sectors. I warmly recall working with President Trump during his first term and I am sure our talks will build on the ground covered then.”
The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X:
“Further deepening India-France Strategic Partnership.
“PM @narendramodi emplanes for Paris, France to co-chair the AI Action Summit along with President @EmmanuelMacron of France.
“PM will also hold talks with President Macron and jointly undertake several bilateral engagements.”
