New Delhi, June 13, 2026 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from New Delhi on Saturday morning for a high-stakes six-day diplomatic tour of France and the Slovak Republic. The visit, spanning June 13 to June 18, 2026, is poised to deepen India’s strategic footprint in Europe, with a packed agenda that includes a historic first-ever prime ministerial visit to Bratislava and a seat at the table for the prestigious G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains.
Strengthening the ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ with France
The Prime Minister’s first destination is the French city of Nice, where he will meet President Emmanuel Macron. This diplomatic engagement builds upon the momentum established earlier this year when the two leaders elevated bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.”
A centerpiece of the French leg is the joint inauguration of the “Bharat Innovates“ event on June 14. Held against the backdrop of the India-France Year of Innovation, this forum is designed to bridge the gap between Indian startups and global venture capital. By connecting emerging Indian technology firms with French and European investors, the event aims to accelerate the cross-pollination of ideas and capital.
The engagement with France will conclude in Paris on June 18, where the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend VivaTech 2026. As one of Europe’s premier technology and innovation gatherings, India’s presence—marked by a massive national pavilion—signals New Delhi’s intent to position itself as a global leader in the digital economy and emerging tech sectors.
A Historic Milestone in Slovakia
On June 14, Prime Minister Modi will make history by traveling to the Slovak Republic for a two-day State Visit—the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the nation since its independence in 1993.
The visit comes at a pivotal time for India-Central Europe relations. In Bratislava, PM Modi will hold high-level talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. Discussions are expected to center on:
- Economic Cooperation: Exploring new avenues for manufacturing and logistics partnerships, positioning Slovakia as a gateway for Indian businesses into the European Union.
- Strategic Alignment: Reinforcing India’s commitment to the EU’s strategic autonomy and regional stability.
- Business Engagement: A dedicated interaction with Slovak business leaders to encourage bilateral trade and investment flow.
“This historic visit builds on the strong momentum in our bilateral relationship,” the Prime Minister stated before his departure, emphasizing that the trip will further energize India’s strategic partnership with the European Union.
All Eyes on the G7 Summit in Évian
The climax of the tour will be the Prime Minister’s participation in the 52nd G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, from June 16 to 17. India’s invitation to the G7 as a partner country highlights the group’s growing reliance on New Delhi’s perspective to address complex geopolitical and economic challenges.
As a voice for the Global South, PM Modi is expected to steer discussions toward issues that disproportionately affect developing nations. Key agenda items for India during the summit include:
- Supply Chain Security: Securing critical mineral value chains to reduce dependency on volatile markets.
- Economic Stability: Addressing global economic imbalances and promoting shared, sustainable growth.
- Digital Governance: Safeguarding minors online and establishing ethical frameworks for emerging technologies like AI.
A Diplomatic Balancing Act
The 2026 tour reflects a sophisticated shift in India’s foreign policy: moving from passive engagement to active agenda-setting. By combining bilateral economic diplomacy in Slovakia with multilateral leadership at the G7, the Indian government is executing a “multi-aligned” strategy.
For France, the summit is a massive security undertaking; the Swiss and French authorities have coordinated a 24/7 security perimeter around the Lake Geneva region to ensure the safety of world leaders. For India, however, the summit is an opportunity to prove that it is not merely a participant, but an essential architect of the future global order.
As the Prime Minister navigates this week of intense negotiations, the world will be watching to see how New Delhi bridges the interests of the developed G7 nations with the pressing needs of the Global South.