India’s Expanding Role in Global AI Leadership
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of global technological advancements, shaping industries, economies, and governance worldwide. Recognizing its potential and challenges, global leaders are increasingly focusing on AI regulation, ethics, and innovation. India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, has positioned itself as a key player in the AI discourse, advocating for inclusive and responsible AI development. As part of this commitment, PM Modi embarks on a crucial diplomatic visit to France and the United States, with the highlight being the AI Action Summit in Paris, which he will co-chair alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. This summit is set to shape the global AI landscape, with discussions on AI’s public interest, ethics, governance, and strategic autonomy.
PM Modi’s Diplomatic Visit: Strengthening AI and Economic Ties
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to depart for France on February 10, kicking off a significant diplomatic tour. His visit includes engagements in Paris and Marseille before heading to the United States. The visit is expected to bolster India’s position in AI governance, technological sovereignty, and economic collaboration.
Upon his arrival in Paris on the evening of February 10, PM Modi will attend a dinner hosted by President Macron for visiting Heads of Government and State (HoGs/HoSs) and dignitaries participating in the AI Summit.
Co-Chairing the AI Action Summit
On February 11, PM Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit in Paris with President Macron. The summit will bring together key global leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance and China’s Vice Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang. It follows similar forums held in the UK and South Korea in 2023 and 2024, emphasizing AI’s growing impact on geopolitics and economies.
Key topics on the agenda include:
- AI’s role in public interest and global governance
- The future of work in an AI-driven world
- Innovation and AI ethics
- Strategic autonomy and reducing reliance on dominant tech powers
France is also expected to propose an AI Foundation for global coordination, an initiative that aligns with India’s vision of responsible AI development.
Fostering Economic and Business Collaboration
Later on, February 11, PM Modi will participate in a CEO roundtable alongside President Macron. This discussion will focus on strengthening India-France economic ties, particularly in AI, digital innovation, defense, and energy.
Following these engagements, Modi will travel to Marseille for a bilateral meeting with Macron, where the leaders will further discuss AI cooperation, defense partnerships, and India’s broader role in global technology governance.
The US Leg of the Visit: Addressing Strategic Issues
After concluding his France visit, PM Modi will head to the United States for high-stakes discussions with President Donald Trump. This phase of the visit will address key strategic issues such as:
- AI collaborations between India and the US
- Trade tariffs and economic partnerships
- Defense cooperation, including small modular reactor development and AI-driven defense technologies
- Addressing illegal immigration concerns
Tech Sovereignty: A Key Focus for India and France
Ahead of the AI Summit, President Macron emphasized the need for “tech sovereignty,” an issue that both France and India are keen to address. In an exclusive interview, Macron stated that he and PM Modi aim to ensure technological independence while maintaining cooperation with global powers like the US and China.
Carving a ‘Third Way’ in AI Development
Macron highlighted that India and France are leading a strategic push for AI independence, standing alongside global AI powerhouses such as the US and China. He pointed out that India’s growing AI capabilities, combined with France’s technological expertise, provide an opportunity to create an alternative AI development pathway that prioritizes ethical innovation and sovereignty.
“I believe strongly that our future lies in building our own technological ecosystem rather than depending on dominant players,” Macron asserted. He further stressed that India and France’s Indo-Pacific strategy aligns with this vision of long-term technological independence.
A Defining Moment for AI Governance
PM Modi’s visit to France and the US marks a defining moment in India’s growing influence in global AI governance. By co-chairing the AI Action Summit, India reinforces its commitment to responsible and ethical AI development, aligning with its broader strategy of digital innovation and strategic autonomy.
As discussions unfold, the outcomes of this summit could shape global AI policies, ensuring that technological advancements serve humanity’s best interests while promoting national and global security. With India at the helm of AI governance conversations, the world watches closely to see how this collaboration with France and other global leaders paves the way for a more inclusive, sovereign, and ethically governed AI future.
(With inputs from agencies)
