National, June 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the French city of Nice on June 14, marking the beginning of a multi-nation European tour centred on strengthening strategic partnerships, expanding technology cooperation and enhancing trade and diplomatic engagement.
Upon his arrival, Modi was welcomed by senior French dignitaries, including Minister of Education Edouard Geffray, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Space Philippe Baptiste, and French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou.
The Prime Minister’s visit begins in France, where he is scheduled to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on June 14. The meeting comes months after India and France elevated their ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, underscoring growing cooperation in areas such as defence, technology and economic development.
During the visit, Modi and Macron are also expected to jointly inaugurate Bharat Innovates 2026, a three-day innovation summit designed to bring together startups, investors and technology leaders from India, France and other countries. The initiative aims to deepen collaboration in emerging technologies and strengthen links between the innovation ecosystems of participating nations.
Following the France leg of the tour, Modi will travel to Slovakia for a state visit on June 14-15, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country since it gained independence in 1993. In Bratislava, he is expected to hold meetings with President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico, besides interacting with business leaders. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, bilateral cooperation and India’s engagement with the European Union.
Modi will return to France on June 16 to participate in the G7 Summit in Evian. India’s invitation to the summit for the eighth consecutive year highlights the country’s increasing importance in global discussions on economic growth, security and international governance.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi is expected to meet US President Donald Trump, with trade issues likely to feature prominently in their talks.
Ahead of the visit, the Prime Minister said India would utilise the G7 platform to articulate not only its own priorities but also the concerns and aspirations of the Global South. He described France as a key strategic partner and termed the Slovakia visit a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
Modi also expressed optimism that progress on the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement would further strengthen ties with the bloc, noting Slovakia’s strategic importance within the EU framework.
The final leg of the tour will take the Prime Minister to Paris on June 18, where he is expected to attend the VivaTech 2026 technology exhibition alongside President Macron and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.
