'Modi -- gracious and kind", says US Vice Prez ::::: AI Summit, US makes a veiled attack !! ::: “Some of us learned from experience partnering with them means chaining your nation to an authoritarian master"

As the Chinese vice-premier, Zhang Guoqing, sat yards away, US Vice President Vance said: 

“Some of us in this room have learned from experience partnering with them means chaining your nation to an authoritarian master that seeks to infiltrate, dig in and seize your information infrastructure. 

"Should a deal seem too good to be true, just remember the old adage that we learned in Silicon Valley, if you aren’t paying for the product, you are the product.”

Vance started his speech by cautioning against an excessive focus on AI safety, in an apparent criticism of the first global AI summit in the UK in 2023, which was badged as the AI Safety Summit. 

The vice-president indicated that the Bletchley Park meeting was too cautious, referring to gatherings about cutting-edge technology that can be “too self-conscious, too risk averse”.

US Vice Prez Vance

Namo and Macron 

Vance, who left the meeting before the group photo at the end, finished his speech by referring to a sword held by Marquis de Lafayette, the French nobleman who served during the American war of independence.

The vice-president said he was given the opportunity to hold the sword during a tour of Paris on Monday night and it made him think about “the beautiful civilisation” that France and the US had built together with weapons such as the sabre.

Sabres, he said, “are dangerous in the wrong hands, but are incredible tools for liberty and prosperity in right hands”. 

“If we choose the wrong approach on other things that could be conceived of as dangerous, things like AI, and choose to hold ourselves back, it will alter not only our GDP or the stock market, but the very future of the project that Lafayette and the American founders set off to create.”  

Vance also referred to the risks of partnering with “authoritarian” regimes, in a pointed allusion to China – without mentioning the country directly. Referring to exports of CCTV and 5G equipment – key Chinese tech products – by authoritarian governments, he said there was a cost: 

“Partnering with such regimes, it never pays off in the long term.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Marseille on Tuesday (local time).

The Prime Minister honoured the city’s historic connection to India’s freedom struggle, recalling the "courageous escape" attempt of Veer Savarkar and thanked French activists who supported him. 

Modi added that the Indian consulate, which is being inaugurated, will deepen people-to-people linkages.

"Landed in Marseille. In India’s quest for freedom, this city holds special significance. It was here that the great Veer Savarkar attempted a courageous escape. 

I also want to thank the people of Marseille and the French activists of that time who demanded that he not be handed over to British custody. The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations," PM tweeted. 

Modi also had a discussion with US Vice President JD Vance.

After the meeting, the two leaders, along with the Second Lady of the United States, Usha Vance, enjoyed coffee together. 

The Prime Minister presented gifts to the Vance children and wished their son, Vivek, a happy birthday.

Vance also expressed his gratitude after meeting Modi and said, "Prime Minister Modi was gracious and kind, and our kids really enjoyed the gifts. I'm grateful to him for the wonderful conversation."