By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday began a six-day diplomatic tour of France and Slovakia, a visit that is expected to deepen India’s engagement with Europe while reinforcing its growing role in global affairs. The Prime Minister will participate in the G7 Summit in France and hold a series of high-level bilateral meetings aimed at expanding cooperation in innovation, technology, trade, and strategic sectors.
Ahead of his departure, Modi highlighted India’s increasing international stature and said the country would use the G7 platform to represent not only its own interests but also the concerns and aspirations of developing nations across the Global South. His remarks come at a time when emerging economies are seeking a stronger voice in shaping global policies amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges.
France will be the first stop on the Prime Minister’s tour. Modi noted that India and France have entered a new phase of strategic cooperation following French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India earlier this year. The two leaders are expected to review progress made under the recently elevated Special Global Strategic Partnership and identify new areas for collaboration.
A major highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of “Bharat Innovates” in Nice on June 14. The event, being held during the India-France Year of Innovation, aims to connect India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem with global investors, technology leaders, and innovation networks. Officials see the initiative as an important step in promoting Indian entrepreneurship on the global stage.
Following his engagements in France, Modi will travel to Slovakia for a historic state visit. The trip marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the independent Slovak Republic, reflecting the growing importance of Central Europe in India’s foreign policy outreach.
During his stay in Bratislava, Modi is scheduled to hold talks with President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. Discussions are expected to focus on economic cooperation, technology partnerships, industrial collaboration, and strengthening ties with the European Union. The Prime Minister will also interact with Slovak business leaders to explore new investment opportunities.
The centerpiece of the visit will be the G7 Summit in Evian on June 16 and 17. Invited for the eighth consecutive time, India will participate in discussions on global economic growth, technology, sustainability, and international cooperation. Modi emphasized that India’s presence at the summit reflects the trust placed in the country by major world economies and its growing influence on the global stage.
The visit will conclude in France on June 18, where Modi is expected to attend VivaTech 2026 alongside President Macron. The event is among Europe’s largest technology and innovation gatherings and is expected to further strengthen India-France cooperation in emerging technologies and digital innovation.
With engagements spanning diplomacy, business, innovation, and global governance, the visit is being viewed as another step in India’s effort to build stronger partnerships across Europe while advancing its vision of becoming a leading voice for the developing world.
