PM Modi Leaves for Week-Long France, Slovakia Tour - All Eyes on G7 Summit, Bilateral Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday left for a week-long visit to France and Slovakia, during which he will attend the G7 Summit. PM Modi will hold discussions with world leaders on a range of bilateral and global issues. Notably, this is the eighth consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited. The prime minister said India's participation in the G7 Summit in Evian, France, reflects the confidence reposed in the country by its partners and its 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," he said.PM Modi is visiting France at the invitation of President Emmanuel

Macron and Slovakia at the invitation of Robert Fico, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic.In his departure statement, he highlighted how France occupies a special place in India's strategic vision. Notably, PM Modi's to Slovakia is the first by an Indian prime minister since the country's independence in 1993. "France occupies a special place in India's strategic vision. Earlier this year, President Macron visited India, and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership," PM Modi said in his statement. "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," he said.

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PM Modi added that in Nice, he would inaugurate 'Bharat Innovates' along with President Macron on 14 June 2026. "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".PM Modi also said he was looking forward to holding discussions with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava."This historic visit builds on the strong momentum in our 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 energise our Strategic Partnership with the European Union, of which Slovakia is an important and valued member," PM Modi said.