Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Saturday, June 13, 2026, for a six-day visit to France and the Slovak Republic. The visit, which will continue until June 18, is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, promoting innovation partnerships, and advancing India’s engagement with Europe and the G7 nations.
Before his departure, Prime Minister Modi said he would undertake the visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
“France occupies a special place in India’s strategic vision,” Mr. Modi said, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two countries. He noted that President Macron visited India earlier this year, during which both nations elevated their ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
During his stay in France, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold discussions with President Macron to review progress made since February and identify new areas of cooperation. A major highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of the ‘Bharat Innovates’ initiative in Nice on June 14.
According to the Prime Minister, the event is being organised as part of the India-France Year of Innovation and is aimed at connecting Indian start-ups with international investors and business leaders. The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.
Following his engagements in France, Mr. Modi will travel to the Slovak Republic on June 14 and 15 for a state visit. The visit is significant as it will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister to independent Slovakia.
Prime Minister Modi said he looks forward to discussions with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava. The talks are expected to focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and strategic partnerships.
The Prime Minister is also expected to interact with Slovak business leaders during the visit. He said the trip would help strengthen India’s partnership with the European Union, describing Slovakia as an important and valued member of the bloc.
After completing his engagements in Slovakia, Mr. Modi will return to France to participate in the G7 Summit in Evian on June 16 and 17. India has once again been invited to attend the summit as an outreach partner.
“India’s presence at the G7 reflects the trust our partners place in us and our growing global profile,” Mr. Modi said. He noted that this would be the eighth consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited.
The Prime Minister said India would use the platform not only to present its own perspectives but also to represent the interests and aspirations of developing countries.
“At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South,” he stated.
Reports indicate that Mr. Modi may also hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders attending the summit, including a possible interaction with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the gathering.
The final leg of the visit will include participation in VivaTech 2026, one of Europe’s leading technology and innovation events. Prime Minister Modi is expected to attend the event alongside President Macron on June 18 before concluding his visit.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the visits would further strengthen India’s engagement with Europe and reinforce partnerships across multiple 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,” he said.
The visit comes at a time when India is seeking deeper cooperation with European partners in areas including technology, innovation, trade, defence, and global governance, while continuing to strengthen its role on the international stage.
