Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said his visit to France and the United States would provide an opportunity to further cement bilateral ties, particularly in areas of technology, defence, trade, and supply chain resilience.
Before departing for his five-day tour, Modi expressed optimism about building upon the progress made during US President Donald Trump's first term in office.
In his departure statement, Modi said, "Over the next few days, I will be in France and USA to take part in various programmes."
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of his France visit, which is at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. "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," Modi said.
While in Marseille, the leaders are scheduled to inaugurate the first Indian consulate in France and visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, a major international energy collaboration of which India is a partner.
Modi said he would also pay homage to Indian soldiers who fought in World Wars I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery.
The bilateral segment of the visit will focus on reviewing the progress of the 2047 Horizon Roadmap for the strategic partnership between India and France.
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The Prime Minister will then head to the United States, where he is expected to meet President Donald Trump for the first time since his inauguration for a second term.
"In Washington DC, I look forward to meeting newly sworn in US President Donald Trump," Modi said, expressing confidence that the visit would further cement the India-US friendship.
Noting their previous engagements, Modi said, "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."
Modi described the meeting as an opportunity to develop an agenda for further strengthening the partnership in areas such as technology, defence, and energy.
"We will work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our two countries and shape a better future for the world," the Prime Minister said.
Modi's last visit to the US was in June 2017, followed by Trump's state visit to India in February 2020.
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