French President Emmanuel Macron together with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several heads of states at the France AI Action Summit 2025.
The France AI Action Summit 2025, held at the Grand Palais in Paris, marked a significant moment in the evolving global discourse on artificial intelligence (AI). Co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit brought together over 1,500 participants from more than 100 countries, including heads of state, leading tech CEOs, AI experts, and policymakers.
While previous global AI discussions have largely centered around risk mitigation and safety, this summit signaled a shift toward “AI action”, focusing on innovation, investment, and international collaboration. However, key ideological divisions emerged, particularly regarding regulation, ethical AI development, and geopolitical competition.
Macron’s Grand Vision: Europe as an AI Powerhouse
French President Emmanuel Macron, in his opening remarks, positioned France as a rising leader in AI. He announced a 109 billion euros private sector investment in France’s AI ecosystem, aiming to bolster research, build AI infrastructure, and support startups. Among the most notable initiatives was Mistral AI’s decision to build a major data center in the Paris region, signaling Europe’s ambitions to reduce reliance on American and Chinese tech giants. Macron also called for a streamlined approach to AI development, likening it to the Notre-Dame reconstruction project, which saw a fast-tracked regulatory process. He urged the EU to accelerate AI innovation while maintaining European values such as copyright protections, child safety, and ethical AI governance.
“If we want Europe to remain competitive in AI, we must move faster and smarter while staying true to our principles,” Macron declared.
Modi’s AI for Humanity: A Call for Inclusive Innovation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, co-chair of the summit, emphasized AI’s potential to empower developing nations. He highlighted India’s advancements in AI-driven digital governance, education, and healthcare. Modi positioned AI as a tool for social good, stressing that AI should be developed responsibly and inclusively.
“The world is at the dawn of an AI revolution that can reshape our economies and societies. But this revolution must be inclusive, ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity, not just a select few,” Modi said.
His speech was well received by developing nations, many of which see AI as a leapfrog technology that can bridge economic disparities. Modi also discussed India’s commitment to AI regulation, advocating for a balanced approach that fosters innovation while safeguarding ethics and privacy.
During the summit, Modi met with Google CEO Sundar Pichai, where they discussed AI’s role in India’s digital transformation, further strengthening the country’s ties with Silicon Valley.
US and UK: A Hands-Off Approach to AI Regulation
A key highlight of the summit was the stark contrast in AI regulation philosophies between the United States, the European Union, and China.
US Vice President JD Vance, representing the Biden administration, warned against overregulation, arguing that too many restrictions could stifle AI innovation in Western democracies, allowing China to take the lead.
“Regulation must not be a bureaucratic straitjacket. If we overregulate, we risk ceding AI leadership to authoritarian regimes,” Vance cautioned.
The United Kingdom took a similar stance. UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle stated that the AI race should be led by “Western, liberal, democratic” nations, subtly referencing concerns over China’s growing AI influence. He emphasized the UK’s strong AI research capabilities and the need for international partnerships that uphold democratic values.
World leaders and influential business executives unite to create powerful alliances and drive transformative change.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Sundar Pichai, Google CEO.
The European Union’s Push for Ethical AI
While the US and UK favored a laissez-faire approach, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen argued for a balanced regulatory framework. She announced a 200 billion euros AI investment strategy, aiming to make Europe a global hub for responsible AI.
“We need an AI that people trust. A competitive AI ecosystem is possible only if it is ethical, transparent, and aligned with human values,” von der Leyen stated.
The EU’s AI Act, which is set to be one of the world’s first comprehensive AI regulatory frameworks, was a major talking point. European leaders reassured AI developers that innovation and compliance could go hand in hand.
Ursula von der Leyen, President, European Commission.
China’s AI Expansion: Strategic but Silent
Though China sent a high-level delegation to the summit, its representatives largely avoided public remarks. However, Chinese AI companies showcased advancements in AI-driven industries, including automated surveillance, smart cities, and quantum computing.
Western nations expressed concerns over China’s AI practices, particularly regarding state surveillance and AI-powered propaganda. However, China’s growing investment in AI infrastructure and research was acknowledged as a major force in shaping the future of AI.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Tech industry heavyweights provided crucial insights on AI’s future:
Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized AI’s potential in scientific research and healthcare, particularly highlighting Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold project, which has revolutionized protein structure prediction.
Microsoft President Brad Smith warned about AI-generated misinformation and cybersecurity threats, advocating for strong AI governance models.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman discussed the challenges of AI scaling and alignment, stressing the importance of global cooperation in AI safety.
The Summit’s Key Outcome: A Divided AI Roadmap
The summit concluded with the “Declaration on Sustainable and Inclusive AI for People and Planet,” which was endorsed by 60 nations, including France, India, China, Germany, and Japan. The agreement focused on:
Promoting AI accessibility and affordability
Ensuring ethical and transparent AI development
Encouraging international cooperation in AI research and safety
However, the US and UK declined to sign the declaration, citing concerns over practical enforcement and national security.
Peter Kyle, UK Technology Secretary.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with JD Vance, US Vice President and French President Emmanuel Macron.
A Defining Moment for AI’s Future
The France AI Action Summit 2025 underscored the growing importance of AI as a geopolitical and economic force. While there was broad consensus on AI’s potential, the summit also revealed deep divides over regulation, ethics, and competition.
France and the EU positioned themselves as champions of “ethical AI”, emphasizing innovation with responsibility.
The US and UK leaned toward a free-market approach, prioritizing speed, investment, and technological dominance.
India advocated for AI as a tool for global inclusion, calling for international cooperation.
China, while present, remained strategically silent, continuing its AI advancements with a focus on state-driven innovation.
As AI becomes an increasingly central pillar of global power, the decisions made at this summit will shape AI governance for decades to come. Whether nations can find common ground remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the AI race is now in full swing, and the world is watching.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing.
