India to Take Center Stage as Co-Chair at AI Action Summit in Paris

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to co-chair the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris, reinforcing India’s strategic role in global AI governance.

Hosted by France on 10 -11 February, this high-profile event gathers world leaders, industry experts, and academics to address AI governance, innovation, and inclusivity.

PM Modi’s visit underscores India’s growing influence in the AI ecosystem and its commitment to shaping international discussions on AI regulation and technological sovereignty.

India’s Role as Co-Chair

India’s leadership at the summit marks a pivotal moment, as the country has been instrumental in steering discussions on AI policy frameworks and governance.

India is a member of the summit’s steering committee and co-chairs the working group on international AI governance. The summit builds on past initiatives such as the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park (2023) and the AI Seoul Summit (2024), both of which emphasized AI safety, trust, and equitable access.

With PM Modi leading India’s delegation, the country is expected to push for AI policies that align with its vision of ethical AI deployment, inclusive development, and responsible AI governance.

India has been actively contributing to AI discussions through multilateral forums like the G20, Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), and the United Nations, advocating for a balanced approach that ensures innovation without compromising security and ethical standards.

Building on Past AI Summits

The AI Action Summit in Paris follows the AI Safety Summit in the UK (2023) and the AI Seoul Summit (2024), which laid the groundwork for AI safety and interoperability among governance frameworks.

The Seoul Declaration, endorsed by global leaders, emphasized international cooperation on AI governance, interoperability of AI policies, and fostering AI safety research.

At Bletchley Park, countries acknowledged the need for oversight of frontier AI systems, particularly in high-risk sectors such as cybersecurity, biotechnology, and misinformation. India has played a critical role in advancing these discussions, advocating for developing nations’ perspectives and ensuring AI benefits are equitably distributed.

The Paris summit aims to translate these commitments into concrete actions. Key themes include AI’s role in economic growth, AI-driven climate solutions, and the integration of AI in governance structures. As a co-chair, India will drive discussions on AI accessibility, workforce adaptation, and the role of emerging economies in the AI revolution.

The Summit

India’s agenda at the summit is expected to align with the broader AI strategy for ‘Global Good’. The summit provides India with a platform to showcase its AI initiatives, including:

AI for Public Good: India has been advocating for AI-driven solutions in healthcare, agriculture and governance to bridge digital divides and empower marginalised communities.
AI Governance and Sovereignty: India supports a regulatory framework that balances innovation with ethical considerations, data privacy and security.
AI in Economic Growth: India is expected to highlight its growing AI startup ecosystem, which has been bolstered by government initiatives such as the National AI Strategy and the IndiaAI Mission.
International Collaboration: Bilateral discussions between the countries may result in deeper AI research collaborations, joint projects and new initiatives such as AI-powered sustainable development goals.

India-France AI Collaboration and Other Bilateral Talks

Beyond the AI Action Summit, PM Modi’s visit includes strategic engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron. A key highlight will be the India-France CEO Forum, where business leaders will discuss AI-driven economic partnerships.

The two leaders are also expected to address broader collaborations in areas like civil nuclear cooperation, space technology, and defence. Notably, India and France are expected to announce an initiative on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and declare 2026 as the India-France Innovation Year.

After concluding the Paris visit, PM Modi will travel to the United States, furthering India’s engagement in AI diplomacy. As AI emerges as a defining technology of the 21st century, India’s participation in shaping its governance is crucial.

Ahead of the PM’s visit to France, he stated: “At the invitation of President Macron, I will be visiting France from 10 to 12 February. In Paris, I look forward to co-chairing the AI Action Summit, a gathering of world leaders and global tech CEOs, where we will exchange views on a collaborative approach to AI technology for innovation and larger public good in an inclusive, secure and trustworthy manner.”

“The bilateral segment of my visit will provide an opportunity to review the progress on the 2047 Horizon Roadmap for India-France strategic partnership along with my friend President Macron. We will also travel to the historic French city of Marseille to inaugurate the first Indian Consulate in France and also visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, in which India is a member of the consortium of partner countries including France, to harness energy for the global good. I will also pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World Wars I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery” – PM Modi.

With the AI Action Summit in Paris, India cements its role as a global AI leader, advocating for an inclusive, ethical, and forward-looking AI ecosystem.

PM Modi’s presence at the summit signifies India’s commitment to fostering AI for global good, ensuring responsible AI development while championing technological sovereignty.