Modi Embarks on Week-Long Visit to France, Slovakia, to Attend G7 Summit
NEW DELHI, June 13: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for a week-long visit to France and Slovakia, where he will attend the G7 Summit and hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders.
In a departure statement, Modi described France as a key partner in India’s strategic vision and said his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice would focus on reviewing progress made since the elevation of ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year. The two leaders are also expected to discuss major regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The prime minister will also travel to Slovakia, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country since its independence in 1993. Modi said he looks forward to meeting Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico, describing the visit as a historic milestone in the growing bilateral relationship.
Mr Modi said, “At the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron and PM Robert Fico, I will be undertaking a visit to France and the Slovak Republic from June 13 to 18, 2026.”
Mr Modi said, “France occupies a special place in India’s strategic vision. Earlier this year, Mr Macron visited India and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. While meeting Mr Macron, we will review the progress made since February and chart the next steps in our cooperation.”
He further added “On June 14, 2026, I and Mr Macron will be inaugurating ‘Bharat Innovates’ in Nice. This landmark event, being held against the backdrop of India-France Year of Innovation, will connect India’s most promising start-ups with global investment.”
From Nice, Mr Modi will be travelling to Slovak Republic on a state visit on June 14 and 15. This will be a first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Independent Slovakia. The Prime Minister hopes to build on a strong momentum in India-Slovakia bilateral relationship. Mr Modi said “I look forward to holding discussions with President Pellegrini and PM Fico in Bratislava.” The PM is also expected to interact with the Slovak business leaders. The Prime Minister said “The visit will further energise our strategic partnership with the European Union, of which Slovakia is an important and valued member.”
According to the statement issued before his departure, Mr Modi will be travelling to Evian and will be participating in the G7 summit on June 16 and 17. Mr Modi said “India’s presence at the G7 reflects the trust our partners place in us and our growing global profile. 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.”
After the G7 summit, Mr Modi will be concluding his visit to France on June 18. He will be attending the VivaTech 2026 along with President Emmanuel Macron. The Prime Minister said “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.”
PM Modi said his visit to France will begin in Nice, where he will participate in the “Bharat Innovates” programme alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The event is being held as part of the India-France Year of Innovation and will bring together innovators, startups and key stakeholders from the innovation ecosystem.
“The NDA Government is one that is strongly working towards youth-led development. One of the defining features of the last 12 years has been the confidence with which India’s youth have pursued their aspirations,” he said in his departing statement.
He said initiatives such as startup India, Digital India, Skill India and the Atal Innovation Mission have helped create an ecosystem that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise across the country. Modi noted that India has emerged as one of the world’s leading startup destinations, with many success stories being driven by the country’s youth, including those from smaller towns and villages.
(Manas Dasgupta)
