PM Modi meets Emmanuel Macron in Paris, attends dinner ahead of Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit ::: Macron teases Trump .. "I have a good friend saying ‘drill, baby, drill.’ Here, It’s plug, baby, plug"

"I have a good friend on the other side of the ocean saying ‘drill, baby, drill.’ Here, there is no need to drill. It’s plug, baby, plug." -- France Prez Macron teases Donald Trump 

In a bid to strengthen AI governance, the Paris Summit aims to focus on a global governance model to make artificial intelligence more inclusive while ensuring safe and transparent AI for users across the world.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from French President Emmanuel Macron, who greeted him with a hug at a dinner in Paris ahead of their co-chairing of the AI Summit.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, "Delighted to meet my friend, President Macron in Paris."  

At the dinner, Modi also met US Vice President JD Vance, who is in France for the AI Summit. 

Earlier on his arrival, PM Modi was welcomed with loud chants of "Modi, Modi" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," accompanied by drumbeats.

Indian diaspora gathered at the airport. 

Expressing gratitude Modi called it a "memorable welcome." Taking to X, he applauded the community for their achievements and unwavering support.

From US Vice President J D Vance to Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoging, the AI Summit, which will be held on Tuesday (Feb 11) has drawn high-profile leaders from across the world. 

 

The summit comes amid Chinese startup DeepSeek unveiling its low-cost and highly accurate AI product, rivalling its American counterpart Open AI's ChatGPT.

India co-chairing AI summit also sends a signal to China that it is also an important stakeholder in shaping up the rules of the game when it comes to democratisation of AI among other initiatives.

Modi is scheduled to address the India-France CEO's Forum along with Macron. 

Following his address, PM Modi is expected to pay a visit to the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille to pay homage to fallen Indian Soldiers of the First World War.

Emmanuel Macron touted Europe and France as artificial intelligence powerhouses, amid speculation that the US and UK are playing hardball over a diplomatic declaration at the Paris AI summit.

The French president told investors and tech companies attending the summit to “choose Europe and France for AI” as he teased his US counterpart Donald Trump over his swing towards fossil fuels.

Referring to the vast energy consumption needed by AI, Macron said France stood out due to its reliance on nuclear energy. Trump said in his inauguration address that the US will “drill, baby, drill” for oil and gas under his leadership.

“I have a good friend on the other side of the ocean saying ‘drill, baby, drill.’ Here, there is no need to drill. It’s plug, baby, plug. Electricity is available,” he said on Monday.

Macron added that a European AI strategy, to be unveiled by the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, on Tuesday, would be a “unique opportunity for Europe to accelerate” in the technology.