New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Saturday for a comprehensive six-day diplomatic tour of France and Slovakia. The high-profile visit features a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence, and key participation in the G7 Summit, where New Delhi aims to actively articulate the aspirations of the Global South.
In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that France holds a distinct position in India’s strategic vision, highlighting that the relationship was elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership during President Macron’s visit to India earlier this year. The Prime Minister will meet President Macron in Nice to evaluate the progress made since February and map out the next phases of bilateral cooperation, whilst also exchanging viewpoints on critical global issues of mutual concern. The two leaders will also jointly inaugurate ‘Bharat Innovates’ on June 14, a flagship event organised under the India-France Year of Innovation designed to bridge the gap between Indian start-ups and international investors.
Following his engagements in Nice, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Slovakia for a historic State Visit on June 14 and 15, marking the first time an Indian premier has visited the Central European country since its independence in 1993. During his stay in Bratislava, he is scheduled to hold talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico, alongside interactions with prominent business leaders to build on the momentum of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
The Prime Minister will then head to Evian to attend the G7 Summit on June 16 and 17, viewing India’s invitation to the grouping for the eighth consecutive summit as a clear reflection of international trust and the nation’s rising global profile. The diplomatic tour will conclude in Paris on June 18, where Prime Minister Modi will join President Macron at VivaTech 2026, featuring India’s largest-ever national pavilion at Europe’s premier technology gathering, before interacting with members of the local Indian diaspora.
