Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in France for a high-stakes diplomatic visit, where he will co-chair the AI Action Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit marks another significant step in India’s strategic partnership with France, with artificial intelligence taking center stage in bilateral discussions.
AI as a Global Equalizer: India and France Align on Access
India and France have called for democratized access to AI, underscoring the need for inclusive technological advancements. Addressing a roundtable session via videoconferencing at Sciences Po in Paris, Ajay Kumar Sood, India’s principal scientific advisor, stressed the necessity for both nations to synchronize policies and technological initiatives.
“We must leverage our complementary expertise to create AI frameworks that not only benefit our countries but also contribute globally,” Sood stated. The discussion touched on AI ethics, regulations, and responsible development, a key area where India and France are keen to collaborate.
• India is pushing for AI to be accessible across all sectors, including education, healthcare, and governance. • France has positioned itself as a leader in AI regulation and ethics, advocating for a balanced approach to technological growth. • Both countries are exploring joint research initiatives to enhance AI literacy and application at a grassroots level.
This alignment comes at a time when global AI policies are diverging, with the European Union taking a stricter regulatory stance compared to the more innovation-driven approaches of the United States and China.
Modi, Macron, and Vance: AI Diplomacy Takes Center Stage
PM Modi’s participation in the AI Action Summit also saw the presence of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who has been vocal about AI regulation and Big Tech policies. Vance’s appearance marked a crucial moment in U.S.-Europe relations, as he is expected to deliver strong remarks on AI governance, particularly concerning content moderation.
Macron welcomed Modi at the summit venue, highlighting the growing strategic and technological ties between India and France. While addressing the gathering, Modi emphasized the importance of global cooperation in AI development and governance. He pointed out that while AI brings immense opportunities, unchecked growth could lead to ethical and security challenges.
France, a key player in EU’s AI regulatory framework, is working closely with India to find common ground on AI safety, innovation, and accessibility. The discussions are expected to pave the way for more structured AI partnerships between the two nations in the coming years.
What This Means for India-France Relations
The AI summit is just one aspect of PM Modi’s visit to France, which also includes bilateral talks on defense, trade, and climate initiatives. AI, however, is emerging as a crucial pillar of this partnership, reflecting both countries’ commitment to technological leadership.
India has been actively promoting AI-driven solutions for governance and economic growth. The government’s focus on AI in agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure aligns with France’s ambitions to regulate and expand AI in a structured manner.
With France already playing a leading role in shaping the EU’s AI policies, its collaboration with India could provide a bridge between different regulatory approaches. This cooperation could lead to new AI-driven initiatives spanning multiple sectors, from smart cities to advanced manufacturing.
As the AI Action Summit unfolds, all eyes will be on how India and France navigate the evolving AI landscape. With major global players like the U.S. also weighing in, the summit is expected to shape AI policies beyond just these two nations.
