France is set to host the prestigious Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit on February 10 and 11, 2025, at the Grand Palais. The summit will gather global leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside representatives from academia, international organisations, businesses, NGOs, and civil society. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed PM Modi’s participation during an address earlier this week.
President Macron announced that Prime Minister Modi would attend the AI Action Summit during his state visit to France in February. Macron described the summit as a "platform for action" to facilitate discussions on artificial intelligence among global powers such as India, the U.S., China, and Gulf states. This announcement underscores the importance of India's role in shaping the global AI landscape.
The AI Action Summit aims to address critical issues such as innovation, talent acquisition, and the ethical use of AI. President Macron emphasised the summit's focus on positioning France and Europe at the centre of the global AI ecosystem. Key themes will include tackling misinformation, ensuring AI is used for the public interest, and promoting collaborative international efforts.
The announcement follows a series of high-level meetings between PM Modi and President Macron. Their most recent meeting occurred during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. During this meeting, the leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for bilateral cooperation through the Horizon 2047 roadmap and other key initiatives. Macron, who was the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in 2024, has consistently highlighted the importance of India-France collaboration.
The French Presidency officially extended an invitation to India, acknowledging it as a “very important country.” Alongside India, 90 countries are expected to participate in the summit. The French Presidency also revealed that the summit will address key challenges, including the spread of misinformation and the misuse of AI technologies.
During his address at the 30th Conference of French Ambassadors, Macron outlined France's foreign policy for 2025 and discussed the significance of the upcoming summit. He highlighted the need for innovation and talent development to make France and Europe leaders in the global AI battle. Macron’s vision positions France as a hub for AI research, development, and governance.
The AI Action Summit is expected to foster international collaboration, bringing together diverse stakeholders to shape the future of artificial intelligence. It will provide an opportunity for dialogue among major AI players and address pressing global challenges related to AI governance and ethical usage.
Conclusion
The upcoming AI Action Summit in France presents a significant opportunity for global leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to engage in vital discussions on the future of artificial intelligence. With a focus on innovation, talent, and ethical AI use, the summit will strengthen international cooperation, particularly between India and France. As both nations reaffirm their commitment to a robust strategic partnership, the event will pave the way for shaping global AI governance, tackling misinformation, and fostering a more inclusive AI-driven future. The collaboration at the summit promises to be pivotal in positioning Europe and India at the forefront of AI advancements.