PM Modi co-chairs AI Action Summit in Paris

Discover key insights from the AI Action Summit in Paris, including discussions on AI ethics, innovation, global collaboration, and the future of artificial intelligence.

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Context: French President Emmanuel Macron has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to co-chair the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris.

Aims of the AI Action Summit in Paris

Built on Previous AI Summits: Following the UK (Bletchley Park) and South Korea (Seoul), the Paris Summit aims to further AI governance and collaboration.
Ensure Safe and Responsible AI: Reinforcing principles of AI that are human-centric, trustworthy, and inclusive.
Promote AI for Global South: Ensuring AI benefits are accessible to developing nations.
Launch Concrete Initiatives: Strengthening AI regulations, ethics, and inclusivity.

Focus on Five Main Themes

Public Interest AI: Using AI for societal benefits.
Future of Work : Addressing AI’s impact on jobs.
Innovation and Culture: Encouraging AI-driven innovation.
Trust in AI: Enhancing transparency and accountability.
Global AI Governance: Coordinating efforts through UN, OECD, GPAI, G7, and G20.

India’s Focus at the AI Summit

IndiaAI Mission: ₹10,371 crore initiative promoting “Making AI in India, Making AI for India.”
GPAI Leadership: As lead chair of GPAI, India aims to make it a global AI governance hub.
Bridging the AI Divide: Ensuring AI accessibility for all nations, particularly the Global South.
Global South Priorities: Advocating for developing nations in AI policymaking.
Inclusive AI Governance: Developing international AI standards with a focus on ethics, transparency, and accessibility.

Reasons Behind Inviting India as Co-Chair in the AI Summit

Recognition of India’s Growing AI Leadership

India is emerging as a major player in AI and digital technology, with initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission and National AI Strategy.
As a founding member and 2024 lead chair of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), India has been actively shaping global AI governance.

India’s Strategic Partnership with France

India and France share a strong strategic, technological, and diplomatic partnership across defence, climate, space, and emerging technologies.
They have co-launched global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Balancing Global AI Power Dynamics

The global AI landscape is dominated by the US and China, creating a need for a neutral, democratic, and inclusive AI governance model.
India, with its democratic values and digital inclusivity approach, offers an alternative AI development model that resonates with both the Global South and Global North.

India’s Focus on AI for the Global South

India advocates for democratizing AI and bridging the AI divide between developed and developing nations.

India-France Ties

Strategic & Defence Cooperation

Defence Partnership: Annual Defence Dialogue (Defence Minister level) and High Committee on Defence Cooperation (Secretary level) to review collaboration.
Key Defence Deals & Projects:
- Rafale Jets: India has already procured 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, with ongoing discussions for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy.
- P-75 Scorpene Project: India is procuring three additional Scorpene-class submarines for the Navy.
- Joint Development of Fighter Jet Engines: Collaboration on developing next-generation engines for fighter planes.
- DRDO Office in Paris: Established in 2023 to enhance technology cooperation.

Technology & Innovation Cooperation

AI & Digital Technology: France supports India’s IndiaAI Mission and digital transformation initiatives.
India-France Innovation Year 2026: To promote joint research and innovation in emerging technologies.
Cybersecurity Collaboration: Strengthening cooperation in data protection and AI governance.

Economic & Trade Relations

India-France CEOs’ Forum: Enhancing business ties in key sectors like energy, manufacturing, and technology.
Supply Chain Resilience: Strengthening Indo-Pacific trade connectivity and reducing dependence on China.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- Renewable Energy (solar & nuclear).
- Critical Minerals (for batteries & electronics).
- Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare (joint R&D).
- Advanced Manufacturing & Startups (innovation ecosystem).

Space & Nuclear Energy Cooperation

Space Collaboration: ISRO and CNES (French Space Agency) work on space exploration and satellite technology.
Nuclear Energy:
- Civil Nuclear Agreement: Collaboration on peaceful nuclear technology for India’s energy security.
- International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER): India is actively participating in the world’s largest fusion energy project in France.

People-to-People & Diplomatic Engagement

New Indian Consulate in Marseille: Strengthening diplomatic presence and services for the Indian diaspora.
Higher Education & Research: Expanding student exchange programs and university collaborations.
Marseille as a Communication Hub:
- Marseille is a key global node for undersea internet cables, linking Europe with Asia and Africa.
- India and France are exploring digital infrastructure cooperation in this domain.

Indo-Pacific & Global Cooperation

India-France Triangular Development Cooperation: A new initiative to implement climate & SDG-focused projects in third countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Climate Action & Sustainability:
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): Launched in 2015 by India and France to promote solar energy globally.
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Joint efforts in climate-resilient infrastructure.
Maritime Security: Joint naval exercises and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.