Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for France and Slovakia on a week-long diplomatic tour that will culminate with his participation in the G7 Summit in France, where India is expected to press issues affecting developing nations and the wider Global South.
The visit combines bilateral engagements with multilateral diplomacy at a time when global discussions are increasingly centred on security, economic uncertainty, technology and supply-chain resilience. PM Modi said India’s invitation to the G7 reflected growing international confidence in the country and its expanding role in global affairs.
“India’s presence at the G7 reflects the trust our partners place in us and our growing global profile,” the Prime Minister said in his departure statement.
On 16th and 17th June I will be in Evian to participate in the G7 Summit. I will be interacting with various world leaders and discussing a wide range of subjects. India will always focus on giving voice to the aspirations of the Global South.@G7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2026
He noted that India had been invited to the summit for the eighth consecutive year and would use the platform to articulate concerns and priorities beyond its own national interests.
“At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South,” PM Modi said.
Over the next few days, I will be in France and Slovakia to attend various programmes, including bilateral talks, multilateral engagements and interaction with the Indian diaspora. The focus will be on boosting economic as well as cultural linkages.
The visit will begin with…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2026
France visit to focus on strategic partnership and innovation
PM Modi’s France visit comes at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders are expected to review progress made since Macron’s visit to India earlier this year, when both countries elevated ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
The Prime Minister said discussions with Macron would cover bilateral cooperation as well as major international developments.
During his stay in Nice, PM Modi and Macron will jointly inaugurate ‘Bharat Innovates’ on June 14. The initiative is being organised as part of the India-France Year of Innovation and is designed to connect Indian start-ups with international investors and innovation networks.
The Prime Minister will also travel to Paris later in the visit to attend VivaTech 2026 alongside Macron. India will have the largest national pavilion at the technology event.
PM Modi said the platform would showcase opportunities for collaboration between Indian and European innovation ecosystems. He is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian community in Paris.
First Indian Prime Minister to visit Slovakia since 1993
From France, PM Modi will travel to Slovakia for a state visit on June 14 and 15.
A key highlight of the tour is Slovakia, which has not hosted an Indian Prime Minister since gaining independence in 1993.
In Bratislava, PM Modi will hold talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. Meetings with business leaders are also on the agenda.
According to the Prime Minister, discussions will focus on expanding cooperation in sectors including trade, investment, automobile manufacturing and railway production.
He said the visit would further strengthen India’s engagement with the European Union, describing Slovakia as an important partner within the bloc.
India set for 13th appearance at G7 outreach
After the Slovakia leg, PM Modi will travel to Evian for the G7 Summit on June 16 and 17.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this will be India’s 13th participation at the summit as a partner country and Modi’s seventh consecutive attendance.
The summit is taking place at a time of growing global uncertainty, with conflicts, energy concerns, supply chain disruptions and economic challenges dominating international discussions.
Leaders are expected to discuss geopolitical crises, economic cooperation, artificial intelligence and development partnerships.
India is also expected to participate in outreach discussions dealing with developments in the Middle East and broader global economic challenges.
Before departing, PM Modi expressed confidence that the visits would deepen India’s engagement with Europe and reinforce partnerships across strategic, economic and technological 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.