NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a multi-nation visit to France and Slovakia from June 13 to 19, 2026, aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in Europe, enhancing economic cooperation, and advancing collaboration in technology, innovation, and global governance.
The visit will begin in France, where Prime Minister Modi will travel to Nice on June 13-14 at the invitation of French President . During the visit, the two leaders are expected to hold comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations under the recently elevated India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership.
Bharat Innovates Inauguration:
A major highlight of the Nice leg will be the joint inauguration of the “Bharat Innovates” event by Prime Minister Modi and President Macron. The event will bring together leading startups, entrepreneurs, venture capital funds, and innovation leaders from India, France, and other countries. Organized during the India-France Year of Innovation, the initiative aims to deepen collaboration in emerging technologies, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship.
First-Ever Visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia
Following his engagements in France, Prime Minister Modi will undertake a State Visit to from June 14 to 16 at the invitation of Slovak Prime Minister .
The visit is historic as it marks the first-ever trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country’s independence in 1993. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with Prime Minister Fico to explore new avenues of cooperation across several sectors.
He is also scheduled to meet Slovak President . Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral trade, investment, industrial cooperation, automobile manufacturing, railway technology, and emerging business opportunities.
The visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries, reflecting growing interest in expanding political and economic engagement.
Participation in G7 Summit
Prime Minister Modi will then return to France to participate in the G7 Summit in Evian on June 16 and 17. His participation underscores India’s growing role in global affairs and its importance as a key partner in addressing international challenges.
During the summit, the Prime Minister will engage with leaders of G7 nations, invited partner countries, and representatives of international organizations. Discussions will focus on critical global issues, including building new international partnerships, strengthening global solidarity, promoting balanced and sustainable economic growth, and ensuring the safe and efficient deployment of artificial intelligence technologies.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders to discuss regional and global developments.
Paris Visit and VivaTech Summit
In the final phase of his European tour, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Paris on June 18 for additional bilateral engagements. He will also participate in the prestigious VivaTech Summit, one of Europe’s largest technology and startup events.
The summit serves as a major platform for innovators, investors, technology companies, and policymakers from across the world. India’s participation is expected to highlight the country’s growing digital economy, startup ecosystem, and technological capabilities.
Prime Minister Modi is also expected to interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Paris during his visit.
Significance of the Visit
The week-long tour is expected to strengthen India’s strategic ties with France, deepen cooperation with Slovakia, and enhance engagement with major global economies through the G7 platform.
India’s presence at both Bharat Innovates and VivaTech is likely to create new opportunities for collaboration between Indian and European technology ecosystems. The visit is also expected to reinforce India’s commitment to advancing its broader partnership with the European Union while showcasing the country as a leading center for innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.
India-France Relations: A Growing Strategic Partnership
India and share one of the strongest strategic partnerships among major global powers. Established in 1998, the relationship has expanded significantly across defence, security, civil nuclear energy, space cooperation, trade, climate action, and technology.
France remains one of India’s most trusted defence partners, supplying advanced military platforms such as the fighter aircraft and collaborating on naval and aerospace projects. The two countries also work closely in the Indo-Pacific region to promote maritime security and stability.
Economic ties have grown steadily, with increasing investments and business partnerships in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies. Cooperation in space research between and has also emerged as a key pillar of the partnership.
With both nations emphasizing innovation, clean energy, and emerging technologies, the India-France partnership continues to evolve into a comprehensive and future-oriented strategic relationship with global significance.
