Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for a six-day visit to France and Slovakia. During this trip, he will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, make the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence, and participate in the G7 Summit in France. In his departure statement, Modi emphasized that India will articulate the aspirations of the Global South at the G7.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
Modi noted that France holds a special place in India's strategic vision. Bilateral ties were elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership during President Macron's visit to India earlier this year. The Prime Minister stated, "At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South." He described India's invitation to the grouping for the eighth consecutive summit as a reflection of the trust reposed in the country by its partners and its growing global profile.
Meeting with President Macron
Modi will meet President Macron in Nice to review progress made since February and chart the next steps in bilateral cooperation. They will exchange views on pressing global issues of mutual interest. The two leaders will jointly inaugurate 'Bharat Innovates' on June 14, a flagship event organized as part of the India-France Year of Innovation. This initiative aims to connect Indian start-ups with global investors and boost innovations emerging from India's higher education ecosystem.
First-Ever Visit to Slovakia
From Nice, Modi will travel to Slovakia for a State Visit on June 14 and 15. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European nation since its independence in 1993. In Bratislava, Modi will hold talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. He will also interact with business leaders. Modi said the visit would build on the momentum generated by the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and further strengthen India's strategic partnership with the European Union, of which Slovakia is an important member.
G7 Summit Participation
Modi will then travel to Evian to attend the G7 Summit on June 16 and 17. He emphasized that India's continued participation in the forum underlines its expanding role in global affairs. The Prime Minister will conclude his visit in Paris on June 18, where he will attend VivaTech 2026 alongside President Macron. India will have the largest national pavilion at this event, which is regarded as Europe's premier technology and innovation gathering.
Engagement with Indian Community
Modi also looked forward to interacting with members of the Indian community in Paris, whom he described as a "living bridge" between the two countries. Expressing confidence that the visits would reinforce India's engagement with Europe and the G7, Modi said they would showcase New Delhi's commitment to expanding the horizons of its partnerships with the continent and beyond.
