Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed on a week-long visit to France and Slovakia, a diplomatic tour aimed at deepening strategic partnerships, expanding economic cooperation, and amplifying the voice of the Global South at the G7 Summit.
Before leaving, Modi described the visit as an important opportunity to strengthen India’s engagement with Europe and key global partners. The prime minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and participate in major international events focused on innovation, technology, and global governance.
In his departure statement, Modi highlighted France as a vital partner in India's strategic vision and said his discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron would focus on reviewing progress made since the elevation of bilateral ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on major regional and global developments.
A significant aspect of the visit will be Modi’s stop in Slovakia, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the Central European nation since its independence in 1993. Calling it a historic milestone, Modi said he looks forward to meeting Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and other areas of mutual interest.
Modi’s visit will begin in Slovakia on June 14 and 15, where he will hold high-level talks with the country’s leadership and engage with business leaders to explore new avenues for economic collaboration. The visit is expected to open a new chapter in India-Slovakia relations and boost cooperation across multiple sectors.
From June 16 to 17, Modi will attend the G7 Summit in the French city of Evian. The invitation marks India’s eighth consecutive participation in the summit, reflecting the country's growing importance in global affairs and the confidence placed in it by leading economies.
“At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South,” Modi said, underscoring New Delhi’s commitment to representing the interests of developing nations on key international issues.
The summit will provide an opportunity for discussions on pressing global challenges, including economic growth, climate action, technological transformation, geopolitical stability, and sustainable development.
The prime minister’s France visit will begin in Nice, where he will participate in the “Bharat Innovates” programme alongside President Macron. The event forms part of the India-France Year of Innovation and will bring together startups, innovators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from both countries.
Modi emphasized that youth-driven development has been one of the defining features of his government over the past 12 years. He highlighted flagship initiatives such as Startup India, Digital India, Skill India, and the Atal Innovation Mission for creating a supportive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to the prime minister, these initiatives have enabled young Indians, including those from smaller towns and rural areas, to pursue their aspirations with confidence and contribute to the country's emergence as one of the world's leading startup destinations.
On June 18, Modi will travel to Paris to participate in VivaTech 2026, one of Europe’s premier technology and innovation events, alongside President Macron. He is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora in France.
The visit is expected to reinforce India’s growing role as a global innovation hub while strengthening strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties with France and Slovakia. As India continues to expand its international footprint, the tour underscores New Delhi’s efforts to shape global conversations and champion the interests of the developing world on major international platforms.
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