G7 Summit, Defence and Trade Talks Top Agenda as Modi Starts Europe Tour
Prime Minister to hold high-level talks with French and Slovak leaders, focusing on strategic cooperation, economic partnerships and key international challenges.
NEW DELHI, Jun 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on a week-long diplomatic visit to France and Slovakia, a tour aimed at deepening strategic partnerships, enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening India’s engagement with major global stakeholders.
A key highlight of the visit will be Modi’s participation in the G7 Summit in Evian, France, where he is expected to engage with leaders of the world’s leading economies on pressing international developments, including global growth, security challenges, climate action and the concerns of developing nations.
Before departing, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of India’s ties with France, describing the European nation as a crucial partner in New Delhi’s long-term strategic outlook. He noted that bilateral relations have witnessed substantial progress in recent years, particularly following the elevation of ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
During his stay in France, Modi will hold extensive discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice. The two leaders are expected to review ongoing collaborations in defence, technology, clean energy, innovation, space research and investment. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to exchange views on regional and international developments affecting global stability.
The Prime Minister said the dialogue with President Macron would help identify new avenues of cooperation and further accelerate initiatives launched during previous high-level engagements between the two countries.
Following the France leg of the tour, Modi will travel to Bratislava, marking a historic moment in India-Slovakia relations. The visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country’s emergence as an independent nation in 1993.
In Slovakia, Modi is scheduled to meet President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. The discussions are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, industry, advanced manufacturing, innovation, defence and cultural exchanges. Both sides are also likely to explore opportunities for greater collaboration in emerging technologies and investment partnerships.
Officials believe the visit reflects the growing momentum in India-Slovakia relations and could pave the way for a stronger and more diversified bilateral framework in the years ahead.
At the G7 Summit, India is expected to play an active role in deliberations on global economic recovery, sustainable development, energy security and geopolitical challenges. The Prime Minister highlighted that India’s presence at the forum demonstrates the increasing trust placed in the country by international partners and its expanding influence in global decision-making.
This year marks the eighth consecutive occasion on which India has been invited to participate in the G7 Summit, underlining its importance as a major voice in international affairs. Modi reiterated that India will use the platform not only to advance its national interests but also to articulate the priorities and aspirations of countries across the Global South.
The visit is being viewed as another significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships across Europe while reinforcing its role as a bridge between developed and developing nations on key global issues.
