NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a six-day visit to France and the Slovak Republic, a diplomatic tour that will also include participation in the G7 Summit and major engagements aimed at strengthening India’s partnerships with Europe.
The visit, taking place from June 13 to 18, comes at a time when India is expanding its global outreach and deepening cooperation with key European nations in areas ranging from strategic affairs and technology to trade and innovation.
Beginning his tour in France, Modi is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice to review progress made since the two countries elevated their ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year.
“France occupies a special place in India’s strategic vision,” the Prime Minister said ahead of his departure, underlining the importance of the relationship between the two countries.
Referring to his upcoming discussions with Macron, Modi said, “When I meet President Macron in Nice, we will review the progress made since February, and chart the next steps in our cooperation.”
A key highlight of the France leg of the visit will be the inauguration of ‘Bharat Innovates’ on June 14. The event, being held under the India-France Year of Innovation, is designed to connect India’s emerging startups with global investors, technology leaders, and innovation ecosystems.
Expressing enthusiasm about the initiative, the Prime Minister said, “I eagerly look forward to inaugurating ‘Bharat Innovates’ along with President Macron on 14 June 2026.”
He described the event as a landmark platform that will “connect India’s most promising start-ups with global investment” and help accelerate innovations emerging from the country’s higher education sector. Officials believe the initiative will strengthen collaboration between Indian and French entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors while showcasing India’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem.
Following his engagements in France, Modi will travel to the Slovak Republic for a State Visit on June 14 and 15. The visit is historic as it marks the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country gained independence in 1993.
During his stay in Bratislava, Modi will hold talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, defence, technology, and industrial partnerships.
“This historic visit builds on the strong momentum in our bilateral relationship,” Modi said, expressing confidence that the trip would open new avenues for cooperation between the two countries.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet Slovak business leaders and explore opportunities for greater economic engagement. The visit comes amid renewed momentum in India-European Union relations and is expected to contribute to strengthening India’s broader partnership with Europe.
After Slovakia, Modi will travel to Evian, France, to participate in the G7 Summit on June 16 and 17. India has been invited to the summit for the eighth consecutive time, reflecting its growing influence in global affairs and its role as a key voice among developing nations.
Highlighting the significance of India’s participation, the Prime Minister said, “India’s presence at the G7 reflects the trust our partners place in us and our growing global profile.”
He added that India would use the platform not only to represent its own interests but also to advocate for developing nations. “At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South,” Modi said.
The final leg of the visit will take the Prime Minister to Paris, where he will attend VivaTech 2026, one of Europe’s largest technology and innovation gatherings. India is expected to have the largest national pavilion at the event, highlighting the growing strength of its startup ecosystem and technological capabilities.
Modi said the Indian presence at VivaTech would symbolize “the enormous potential for partnership between Indian and European innovation ecosystems.” He is also expected to interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Paris, recognizing their role in strengthening ties between the two countries.
Concluding his remarks before departure, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the visit would deepen India’s engagement with Europe and reinforce its position as a leading global partner. “I am confident that my visits to France and the Slovak Republic will reinforce India’s deepening engagement with both Europe and the G7,” he said.
The visit is expected to advance cooperation in innovation, trade, strategic affairs, and global governance while underscoring India’s growing role on the international stage.
