Wed Feb 12 03:03:33 UTC 2025: ## Modi’s whirlwind diplomatic tour: France and US visits yield significant agreements

**Paris/Washington D.C., February 13, 2025** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a busy two-day visit to France before embarking on a two-day trip to the United States, engaging in high-level discussions and forging key agreements with both nations.

In France, PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated India’s new consulate in Marseille and jointly unveiled plans for the development of modern nuclear reactors, signing a letter of intent on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs). The two leaders also emphasized the importance of the high seas treaty and pledged to cooperate on AI development, ensuring ethical and human rights-respectful applications. Further collaborations were announced in digital health, antimicrobial resistance, and the exchange of health professionals, including a partnership between PariSante Campus and C-CAMP. The leaders also announced the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, showcasing the expansion of their strategic partnership. PM Modi also paid tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues Cemetery in Marseille. He gifted President Macron a Dokra artwork and the First Lady an exquisite silver mirror. The visit was marked by an exceptional display of camaraderie between the two leaders.

During his US visit, PM Modi met with President Donald Trump, aiming to strengthen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Discussions centered on tariff cuts to boost American exports to India and avoid a trade war, with President Trump expected to sign an executive order on reciprocal tariffs. PM Modi also met with Google CEO Sundar Pichai to discuss AI’s potential for India’s digital transformation. The visit makes PM Modi the fourth world leader to meet President Trump since his inauguration. Prior to the trip, concerns were raised by the Indian opposition regarding the deportation of Indians on cargo flights. A separate incident involved a threat call to Mumbai police claiming a potential attack on PM Modi’s aircraft. The White House has publicly confirmed its prioritization of relations with India.

The visits underscore India’s growing global influence and its strategic partnerships with key players in Europe and North America.

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