New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on his crucial trip to France and the United States focussing on trade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and bilateral cooperation.

During his France trip, Modi will participate in an AI Action Summit where India is the co-chair.

Modi posted on X, "Over the next few days, I will be in France and USA to take part in various programmes. In France, I will be taking part in the AI Action Summit, where India is the co-chair.

"I will be holding talks with President @EmmanuelMacron towards strengthening India-France relations. We will also be going to Marseille to inaugurate a Consulate there."

The Prime Minister will head to the US for the first time since Donald Trump returned to power as the President after winning the November 5, 2024 elections.

"In Washington DC, I look forward to meeting @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. This visit will further cement India-USA friendship and boost ties in diverse sectors.

"I warmly recall working with President Trump during his first term and I am sure our talks will build on the ground covered then," Modi said.

Modi's visit to Washington takes place days after a huge controversy broke out after 104 Indians, who had illegally entered into the US, were repatriated with handcuffs and chains.

After facing the heat from the Opposition, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said the government was engaging with the United States to ensure no Indian deportee is mistreated during the trip.

The deportation was a part of Trump's massive crackdown launched against illegal immigrants after his inauguration on January 20.

Several such flights are likely to arrive in India in the coming days.

After a phone call with Modi last month, Trump, who is locked in trade wars with several nations, had said New Delhi would take necessary steps in repatriating its nationals illegally staying in the USA.

Trump had said India will do "what is right" when it comes to taking back illegal immigrants.