PM Modi arrives in Nice, France, for two-nation visit and G7 Summit
Synopsis
PM Modi touched down in Nice on 13 June to a diaspora welcome of classical dance and chants — but the real action starts Sunday, when he and President Macron jointly inaugurate 'Bharat Innovate 2026.' With bilateral talks, a G7 appearance in Evian, and stops in Paris ahead, this is one of the most packed India-France engagements in years.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Nice, France on 13 June 2026 for an official two-nation visit.
The Indian diaspora welcomed him with Kathak, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam performances and chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' .
Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will jointly inaugurate 'Bharat Innovate 2026' on 14 June .
Bilateral talks between Modi and Macron are scheduled for 14 June in Nice, covering innovation, economy, and cultural ties.
PM Modi will attend the G7 Summit in Evian on 16-17 June , at President Macron's invitation.
The visit also includes stops in Paris as part of the broader itinerary.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nice, France, on Saturday, 13 June, receiving a rousing reception from the Indian diaspora gathered at the airport, who chanted 'Modi Modi' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' as classical dancers performed Kathak, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam. The arrival marks the first stop of a multi-city official visit to France that will also take him to Evian and Paris.
Dignitaries at the Welcome
A high-level delegation received Prime Minister Modi at the airport in Nice. Among those present were Philippe Baptiste, French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space; Patrick Amoussou-Adeble, Secretary General of the Alpes-Maritimes Prefecture; Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India; and Eric Ciotti, Mayor of Nice. Sanjeev Singla, India's Ambassador to France, was also on hand to welcome the Prime Minister.
What Modi Said on Arrival
'A memorable welcome from the Indian community in Nice. Though they may be several kilometres away from home, the bond of our diaspora with India remains as strong as ever,' Prime Minister Modi said in a post on social media platform X. In a separate post, he added: 'I have just landed in Nice. Beyond Nice, this visit to France includes programmes in Evian and Paris. It will be marked by bilateral and multilateral meetings, aimed at strengthening India's bonds of friendship with its key development partners.'
Key Engagements Ahead
On Sunday, 14 June, Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to jointly inaugurate 'Bharat Innovate 2026', a flagship event being held during the India-France Year of Innovation. Bilateral talks between the two leaders are also scheduled for 14 June in Nice, covering the full spectrum of the bilateral relationship — with a focus on innovation, science and technology, economy, and cultural ties. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has described the event as reinforcing 'the vibrant innovation partnership that exists between the two countries.'
G7 Summit in Evian
At the invitation of President Macron, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on 16-17 June. The G7 leg underscores India's continued presence at the world's most consequential multilateral forums, even as a non-member. This comes amid deepening India-France strategic ties that have accelerated across defence, space, and clean energy in recent years.
Broader Significance
The visit reflects sustained momentum in high-level diplomatic exchanges between India and France, two countries that have elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership. With multilateral meetings, bilateral talks, and a joint innovation showcase all packed into the itinerary, the trip is among the more substantive India-France engagements in recent years. All eyes will be on the outcomes of the Modi-Macron bilateral on Sunday.
Point of View
Which have historically dominated headlines, toward technology and science partnerships that India needs for its next growth phase. The G7 invitation from Macron also reinforces India's growing role as an indispensable voice in global governance forums despite not holding formal membership. What remains to be watched is whether 'Bharat Innovate 2026' produces binding commitments or remains a showcase event — the pattern of high-profile bilateral launches without follow-through is one India has not fully escaped.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PM Modi visiting France in June 2026?
PM Modi is on an official two-nation visit to France, with stops in Nice, Evian, and Paris. The visit focuses on strengthening bilateral ties in innovation, science and technology, economy, and cultural exchanges, and includes his participation in the G7 Summit in Evian on 16-17 June.
What is 'Bharat Innovate 2026'?
'Bharat Innovate 2026' is a flagship bilateral event being held during the India-France Year of Innovation. PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to jointly inaugurate it in Nice on 14 June 2026, symbolising the innovation partnership between the two countries.
Who welcomed PM Modi at the airport in Nice?
PM Modi was received by French Minister Philippe Baptiste, Alpes-Maritimes Prefecture Secretary General Patrick Amoussou-Adeble, French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou, Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti, and India's Ambassador to France Sanjeev Singla.
Will PM Modi attend the G7 Summit in France?
Yes. At the invitation of President Macron, PM Modi will participate in the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on 16-17 June 2026. India is not a G7 member but has been a regular invitee at these summits.
What are the key agenda items for the Modi-Macron bilateral talks?
The two leaders are scheduled to meet on 14 June in Nice to review the full spectrum of the India-France bilateral relationship, with a focus on innovation, science and technology, economy, and people-to-people ties, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
