Modi Travels To France, Slovakia
The PM said France occupies a special place in India’s strategic vision. Earlier this year, President Macron visited India and the two nations had elevated their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership
New Delhi: Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi on Saturday said India’s presence at the G7 reflects the trust its partners place in it and the country’s growing global profile. In a statement ahead of his departure for France and Slovakia on a six day tour from June 13 to 18, PM said his visits to the two nations will reinforce India’s deepening engagement with both Europe and the G7, and showcase country’s steadfast commitment to expanding the horizon of its partnerships with the continent and beyond.
The PM said France occupies a special place in India’s strategic vision. Earlier this year, President Macron visited India and the two nations had elevated their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. “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,” PM said.
PM will also inaugurate ‘Bharat Innovates’ along with President Macron in Nice on June 14. This landmark event, being held against the backdrop of the India-France Year of Innovation, will connect India’s most promising start-ups with global investment and serve as a major accelerator for innovations emerging from India's higher education ecosystem.
From Nice, Mr Modi will travel to the Slovak Republic for a state visit from June 14-15. This will be the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia’s independence in 1993. The PM said this historic visit builds on the strong momentum in their bilateral relationship.
“I look forward to holding discussions with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico in Bratislava. I will also have the opportunity to interact with Slovak business leaders. Building on the momentum of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the visit will further energize our Strategic Partnership with the European Union, of which Slovakia is an important and valued member,” Mr Modi said.
From Slovakia, PM will travel to French city Evian to participate in the G7 Summit on June 16 and 17. This is the 8th consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited. “India’s presence at the G7 reflects the trust our partners place in us and our growing global profile. At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South,” said PM.
He will conclude his visit to France in Paris on June 18 where he will attend the VivaTech 2026 alongside President Macron. VivaTech is Europe’s foremost gathering of technology and innovation, and India will have the largest national pavilion at this edition. Mr Modi will also interact with the Indian community in Paris.