On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron personally came to Marseille airport to bid farewell to Narendra Modi as the Indian PM took off for Washington, a gesture that symbolised the camaraderie between the two leaders.
Modi’s three-day visit to France began with a dinner hosted by Macron in Paris, where they shared moments of laughter, the bonhomie facilitating the dialogue on serious issues and setting the tone for subsequent engagements, said an official travelling with the PM.
The following day (Tuesday), at the AI Action Summit, both the leaders showcased their countries’ collaborative spirit, co-hosting an event that highlighted advancements in artificial intelligence.
Their joint appearances continued at the India-France CEOs Forum, where they advocated for stronger economic ties between the nations. “Demonstrating their close ties, they hosted the forum together, reflecting their shared vision for economic collaboration,” a senior govt official said.
The friendship was symbolized further by their travel arrangements. They rode together in a motorcade and flew to Marseille on the same plane, with Macron also hosting a working dinner. “Such proximity and time being given by a leader like Macron for any world leader is rare and rarely has any precedent,” the official said.
In Marseille, the two leaders inaugurated the new Indian Consulate and toured the ITER project, a significant initiative in nuclear fusion research.
The personal involvement of President Macron in each event not only showcased the strength of the India-France relationship but also set a new standard for international diplomacy.