Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday commenced a high-profile diplomatic tour of France and Slovakia, a visit expected to deepen India’s engagement with Europe while strengthening cooperation in areas ranging from technology and innovation to trade and global governance.
The multi-leg visit will also see the Prime Minister participate in the G7 Summit, where India is expected to highlight issues concerning developing nations and emerging economies.
France at the Centre of Strategic Discussions
The first leg of the tour takes Modi to France, where he is scheduled to hold extensive talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. The discussions are expected to review progress made in bilateral cooperation and identify new opportunities for collaboration across strategic sectors.
Highlighting the importance of the relationship, Modi said France occupies a special place in India’s global outlook.
“Earlier this year, President Macron visited India, and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. When I meet President Macron in Nice, we will review the progress made since February and chart the next steps in our cooperation. I look forward to our discussions on pressing global issues of mutual interest as well,” he said.
Innovation and Start-Ups Take Centre Stage
A major highlight of the France visit will be the inauguration of Bharat Innovates, an initiative designed to connect India’s emerging start-up ecosystem with global investors and technology leaders.
“This landmark event, being held against the backdrop of the India-France Year of Innovation, will connect India’s most promising start-ups with global investment and serve as a major accelerator for innovations emerging from India’s higher education ecosystem,” Modi said.
The event is expected to showcase India’s growing strength in entrepreneurship, research and digital innovation.
Historic Slovakia Visit
Following engagements in France, Modi will travel to Slovakia for a two-day State Visit, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since its independence in 1993.
The visit is expected to focus on expanding economic cooperation, strengthening political ties and exploring fresh investment opportunities.
“This historic visit builds on the strong momentum in our bilateral relationship. I look forward to holding discussions with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico in Bratislava. I will also have the opportunity to interact with Slovak business leaders,” Modi said.
He added that Slovakia’s role within the European Union makes it an important partner as India continues to strengthen its engagement with the continent.
G7 Summit to Highlight India’s Global Role
After completing the Slovakia leg, Modi will travel to Evian to participate in the G7 Summit on June 16 and 17.
Describing India’s invitation to the summit as a reflection of growing international confidence in the country, the Prime Minister said India would represent not only its own interests but also the concerns of the Global South.
“India’s presence at the G7 reflects the trust our partners place in us and our growing global profile. This is the eighth consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited. At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South,” he said.
Final Stop in Paris
The visit will conclude in Paris, where Modi will participate in VivaTech 2026, one of Europe’s largest technology and innovation gatherings.
India is expected to have the largest national pavilion at the event, reflecting the growing collaboration between Indian and European innovation ecosystems. Modi is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora during his stay.
Strengthening India’s European Outreach
The Prime Minister said the visit would reinforce India’s expanding ties with Europe and open new avenues of cooperation in technology, innovation, trade and strategic affairs.
“Over the next few days, I will be in France and Slovakia to attend various programmes, including bilateral talks, multilateral engagements and interaction with the Indian diaspora. The focus will be on boosting economic as well as cultural linkages,” Modi said.
