PM Modi departs for France, Slovakia and G7 Summit on six-day diplomatic tour
Synopsis
Modi's six-day European tour is more than a diplomatic routine — it packs a historic first visit to Slovakia since 1993, a co-inauguration with Macron at 'Bharat Innovates', a G7 appearance in Evian, and a VivaTech address in Paris. The breadth signals India's deliberate push to deepen Central European ties while reinforcing its tech-and-innovation brand on the global stage.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi departed on 13 June 2025 for a six-day tour covering France and Slovakia .
He will co-inaugurate 'Bharat Innovates' in Nice with French President Emmanuel Macron , part of the India-France Year of Innovation .
The Slovakia state visit (14–16 June) is the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia's independence in 1993 .
Modi will attend the G7 Summit in Evian on 16–17 June as an invited partner nation.
On 18 June , he will address VivaTech — Europe's largest tech and startup event — in Paris .
Bilateral talks with PM Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini in Slovakia will focus on trade, automobiles, and railway infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 13 June departed India on a six-day diplomatic tour covering France and Slovakia, with a packed agenda spanning bilateral talks, the G7 Summit, and high-profile innovation and technology events. The visit is among the most substantive European engagements of Modi's third term.
Key Engagements in Nice and Paris
The tour begins in Nice, where Modi will co-inaugurate 'Bharat Innovates' alongside French President Emmanuel Macron — a flagship event bringing together startups, innovators, and venture capital funds from India, France, and partner nations. The event is part of the 'India-France Year of Innovation', a bilateral initiative underscoring the two countries' deepening technology ties.
Modi and Macron will also hold formal bilateral talks to review the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership, covering defence, space, digital infrastructure, and trade. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described 'Bharat Innovates' as a platform that 'reinforces the vibrant innovation partnership that exists between the two countries.'
Historic First Visit to Slovakia
From 14 to 16 June, Modi will undertake a state visit to Slovakia at the invitation of Prime Minister Robert Fico — the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country gained independence in 1993. The visit carries symbolic weight as India deepens its Central European footprint.
In Bratislava, Modi will hold delegation-level talks with Fico and separately meet President Peter Pellegrini. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, investment, automobile manufacturing, and railway infrastructure — sectors where Slovakia has established industrial strength and India sees partnership potential. The MEA stated the visit 'will reaffirm India's commitment to strengthening its bilateral relationship with Slovakia across various sectors.'
G7 Summit in Evian
Returning to France, Modi will participate in the G7 Summit in Evian on 16–17 June, engaging with leaders of G7 nations, invited partner countries, and heads of international organisations. India is not a G7 member but has been a regular invited partner, using the platform to advance positions on climate finance, global south priorities, and multilateral reform.
VivaTech Summit and Diaspora Outreach in Paris
On 18 June, Modi will travel to Paris for additional bilateral meetings and is scheduled to address VivaTech, billed as Europe's largest technology and startup event. He is also expected to meet members of the Indian diaspora in Paris — a consistent feature of Modi's foreign visits that reinforces soft-power and community engagement goals.
In a post on X ahead of his departure, 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.' This tour positions India's diplomatic calendar firmly on Europe as global alignments shift heading into the second half of 2025.
Point of View
The 'Bharat Innovates' co-inauguration with Macron is a deliberate brand exercise: India wants to be seen not just as a market but as an innovation partner. The G7 appearance reinforces that positioning, but the real diplomatic dividend will come from whether the Slovakia talks translate into verifiable investment commitments rather than a joint statement.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is PM Modi visiting and when?
PM Modi departed on 13 June 2025 for a six-day tour covering France and Slovakia. The itinerary includes Nice, Bratislava, Evian, and Paris, concluding on 18 June.
What is the 'Bharat Innovates' event in Nice?
'Bharat Innovates' is a joint India-France innovation showcase being co-inaugurated by PM Modi and President Macron in Nice. It brings together startups, innovators, and venture capital funds from both countries as part of the India-France Year of Innovation.
Why is the Slovakia visit historically significant?
This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country became independent in 1993 — a gap of over three decades. The visit is expected to open new avenues in trade, automobile manufacturing, and railway infrastructure.
What will Modi do at the G7 Summit in Evian?
Modi will participate in the G7 Summit in Evian on 16–17 June as an invited partner nation, engaging with G7 leaders and heads of international organisations. India is not a G7 member but regularly participates as a partner.
What is VivaTech and why is Modi attending?
VivaTech is Europe's largest technology and startup event, held in Paris. Modi is scheduled to address the summit on 18 June, reinforcing India's positioning as a global innovation hub and strengthening ties with the European tech ecosystem.
