By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a week-long diplomatic tour of France and Slovakia, culminating in his participation at the G7 Summit, with a strong focus on strengthening economic cooperation, technological innovation, cultural ties and India’s engagement with the Global South.
Modi who disclosed this on his X handle on Saturday, said the visit would feature bilateral meetings, multilateral engagements and interactions with the Indian diaspora, underscoring India’s commitment to deepening strategic partnerships across Europe.
The Indian leader will begin his trip in Nice, France, where he is scheduled to participate in “Bharat Innovates,” a flagship event aimed at bringing together innovators, startups, entrepreneurs and key stakeholders in the global innovation ecosystem. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend the programme.
According to Modi, the event forms part of activities marking the India-France Year of Innovation and is designed to promote collaboration in technology, research and entrepreneurship between the two countries.
While in Nice, Modi will also hold bilateral talks with Macron to review the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership and explore opportunities for expanded cooperation in trade, defence, technology and investment.
The Prime Minister will then travel to Slovakia on June 14 and 15 for what he described as the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since the country’s independence, a development expected to open a new chapter in relations between the two nations.
During his stay in Bratislava, Modi is scheduled to meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. Discussions are expected to focus on political cooperation, economic partnerships and emerging opportunities arising from closer India-European Union relations.
The Indian leader also plans to engage with leading business executives in Slovakia, highlighting the potential benefits of the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, which he said offers significant opportunities for stronger commercial and trade relations.
On June 16 and 17, Modi will attend the G7 Summit in Evian, where he is expected to hold discussions with world leaders on a broad range of global issues.
He said India would continue to champion the interests and aspirations of developing nations, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to ensuring that the voice of the Global South remains prominent in international decision-making.
The final leg of the tour will take Modi back to France on June 18, where he will participate in VivaTech 2026 in Paris alongside President Macron.
Describing VivaTech as one of Europe’s most important technology and innovation gatherings, Modi said the event would provide another platform to strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies and digital innovation.
Precise Post recalls that the Prime Minister will also meet members of the Indian community in France, concluding a visit that is expected to reinforce India’s strategic partnerships in Europe while advancing its economic, technological and diplomatic priorities on the global stage.
