France, Slovakia and G7 Summit on agenda as PM Modi starts overseas visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for France and Slovakia on a visit from June 13 to 18, during which he will attend the G7 Summit, hold bilateral discussions with European leaders and participate in key events focused on innovation, technology and economic cooperation.

The visit comes at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

In his departure statement, Modi said France occupies a special place in India’s strategic vision and highlighted the growing partnership between the two countries.

“France occupies a special place in India’s strategic vision. Earlier this year, President Macron visited India, and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership,” Modi said.

Modi said he would meet Macron in Nice to review developments since the French leader’s visit to India and discuss the next phase of cooperation.

“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.

During his stay in Nice, Modi and Macron will jointly inaugurate ‘Bharat Innovates’ on June 14. The event is being held as part of the India-France Year of Innovation and is aimed at connecting Indian start-ups with global investors while promoting innovation emerging from India’s higher education ecosystem.

The prime minister said the initiative would bring together some of India’s most promising start-ups and provide opportunities for global investment and collaboration.

From France, Modi will travel to Slovakia for a State Visit on June 14 and 15. The visit will be the first by an Indian prime minister since Slovakia became independent in 1993.

Modi described the visit as a historic milestone that builds on the growing momentum in bilateral ties.

The prime minister said he looked forward to discussions with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava.

He is also expected to interact with Slovak business leaders during the visit.

According to Modi, the visit comes at a time when India and the European Union are seeking to deepen economic engagement, including through progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. He said Slovakia is an important and valued member of the European Union and that the visit would further energise India’s Strategic Partnership with the bloc.

Following the Slovakia leg of the tour, Modi will travel to Evian in France to participate in the G7 Summit on June 16 and 17.

The prime minister said India’s participation reflects the confidence reposed in the country by its international partners and its expanding role in global affairs.

“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.

India has been invited to every G7 Summit since 2019, underlining its growing engagement with major economies on issues ranging from economic growth and technology to climate action and global governance.

Modi will conclude his visit in Paris on June 18, where he will attend VivaTech 2026 alongside Macron.

VivaTech is one of Europe’s largest technology and innovation gatherings and brings together entrepreneurs, investors, technology companies and policymakers from around the world.

India will have the largest national pavilion at this year’s event, which Modi said reflects the potential for collaboration between Indian and European innovation ecosystems.

The prime minister is also scheduled to meet members of the Indian community in Paris during the final leg of his visit.

Describing the diaspora as a living bridge between the two nations, Modi said he looked forward to interacting with them.

The prime minister expressed confidence that the visits to France and Slovakia would strengthen India’s engagement with Europe and the G7 while expanding cooperation across strategic, economic, technological and innovation sectors.

“I am confident that my visits to France and the Slovak Republic will reinforce India’s deepening engagement with both Europe and the G7, and showcase our steadfast commitment to expanding the horizon of our partnerships with the continent and beyond.”