Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Saturday for a six-day visit to France and Slovakia, a trip that will see him hold high-level talks, attend the G7 Summit, and participate in key innovation and technology events.
The visit comes at a time when India is strengthening its engagement with Europe and expanding cooperation across sectors such as technology, innovation, trade, and strategic affairs.
Focus on India-France partnership
France will be the first stop on Modi’s itinerary. During his visit, he is expected to review the progress made in bilateral ties with French President Emmanuel Macron and discuss future areas of cooperation.
“This would be my seventh visit to France since 2014. France occupies a special position in India’s strategic vision,” Modi said before leaving for the trip.
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Reflecting on his upcoming meeting with Macron in Nice, the Prime Minister said, “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.”
A major highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of ‘Bharat Innovates’ on June 14. The event is being organised as part of the India-France Year of Innovation.
“In Nice, I also eagerly look forward to inaugurating ‘Bharat Innovates’ along with President Macron on 14 June 2026. 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.
#WATCH | PM Modi embarks on an official visit to France and Slovakia; to attend the G7 Summit in Evian
(Video source: DD) pic.twitter.com/FA3V6zwaY9
— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2026
India’s message at G7 Summit
Modi will also attend the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on June 16 and 17. This marks the eighth consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited.
“This is the 8th 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.
First visit by an Indian PM to Slovakia
The Prime Minister will then travel to Bratislava, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Slovakia since the country gained independence in 1993.
Modi said he looks forward to meeting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini, besides interacting with business leaders. He noted that the visit would further strengthen India’s engagement with the European Union, describing Slovakia as an “important and valued member.”
On the final day of the tour, Modi will attend VivaTech 2026 alongside President Macron and interact with members of the Indian community in Paris.
