The visit has witnessed an array of engagements that reflect the growing partnership between the two nations. On his arrival in Paris, Modi was hosted for an exclusive dinner by Macron, setting the tone for discussions on economic and strategic cooperation.
The following day, the two leaders co-chaired the AI Action Summit, where India and France reaffirmed their commitment to technological collaboration.
A significant highlight of this visit has been their shared travel arrangements—an uncommon diplomatic gesture that symbolises their close ties.
The French President accompanied the Indian Prime Minister in a joint motorcade and, in an exceptional move, both leaders boarded the same aircraft to Marseille.
On reaching the city, Macron hosted Modi for a working dinner, further emphasising the personal equation they share.
The Indian Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in key engagements in Marseille today.
Among them, he will jointly inaugurate the Indian Consulate with Macron, a move seen as strengthening "people-to-people" ties between the two nations.
The consulate, Modi has noted, will play a pivotal role in expanding bilateral engagement at multiple levels.
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Further, the leaders will visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, an initiative symbolising global scientific collaboration.
They will also tour the Marseille port, a critical gateway for Indo-French trade and a key point in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Speaking about the consulate in Marseille, Modi remarked that it would help deepen interactions between the Indian and French communities, adding, “Marseille is a key gateway for trade between India and France due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast.”
Reflecting on the historical ties between the two nations, the Prime Minister is expected to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who perished during the First and Second World Wars.
The visit comes close on the heels of President Macron’s state visit to India in January 2024, where he was the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations.
It marked his second state visit to India and the sixth occasion that a French leader attended India’s Republic Day as Guest of Honour.
At that time, both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for the future under frameworks such as the Horizon 2047 roadmap.
India and France have enjoyed a strategic partnership since 1998, founded on mutual respect and trust.
Their diplomatic ties have strengthened over the years, with 2023 marking the 25th anniversary of this partnership.
The French Embassy in New Delhi has emphasised that France considers India one of its closest allies in the global arena.
Following his engagements in France, Prime Minister Modi is set to depart for the United States, where he will hold discussions with President Donald Trump and other senior American officials.
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