PM Modi to attend AI Summit in France on February 10-11: French President Emmanuel Macron

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in France, said French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. The AI summit is scheduled to take place on February 10 and 11.

While addressing the 30th Conference of Ambassadors, President Macron said, "France will be hosting the AI Summit on February 10-11. A summit for action, as we call it. This summit will allow for an international conversation on AI. There will be Prime Minister Modi, who will move up to a major visit in our country as we want to forge a dialogue with all powers on AI."

President Macron emphasised the significance of AI as a global issue, noting that the summit will involve countries like the US, China, India, and nations from the Gulf, all of which play key roles in the development and regulation of AI technologies. "The US, China, and major emerging countries such as India have a key role to play, as well as the Gulf," he remarked.

The French President also highlighted the summit’s focus on innovation, talent, and positioning France and Europe at the center of the global AI conversation. "Beyond that conversion, what we want to do for public interest with the foundation will be setting up... The summit's core for me will be innovation and the ability to attract talent and to have France and Europe at the heart of the AI battle," he added.

In December, the French Presidency had already confirmed India’s invitation to the AI Action Summit, referring to India as a "very important country." 

During a press briefing about the summit, the French Presidency announced that 90 countries, including India, would participate. "We have invited India and are working very closely with India in the run-up to the summit. Misinformation and misuse of AI are themes that will be addressed," it said. "India is a very important country, particularly in terms of its potential to make a concrete impact on people's lives. We look forward to India's contributions to the summit's various teams," the Presidency added.

The summit, which will be held at the Grand Palais in Paris, is expected to bring together Heads of State and government, leaders of international organizations, CEOs from both large and small companies, representatives from academia, NGOs, artists, and civil society members.

The event will address five major themes: public interest in AI, the future of work, innovation and culture, trust in AI, and global AI governance. The French Presidency also underscored the importance of discussing disinformation and AI misuse, which will be key topics of conversation at the summit.

On February 10, various stakeholders, including heads of state and government representatives, will participate in multiple sessions. President Macron will host a formal dinner for heads of state and other VIPs that evening.

On February 11, a dedicated leaders' session will take place, focused exclusively on heads of state.

With the inputs of IANS