PM Modi ends France-Slovakia tour after G7 talks and tech outreach

Paris,UPDATED: Jun 18, 2026 23:58 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday left for New Delhi after concluding his two-nation visit to France and Slovakia, during which he attended the G7 Summit and held bilateral meetings with several world leaders. In France, he took part in the Bharat Innovates programme, addressed VivaTech 2026 and an Indian community event, and met chief executives.

Describing the France leg of the visit in a social media post, Modi said, "This visit to France has been extensive when it comes to engagement and outcomes. It began in Nice, where the Bharat Innovates programme was held, followed by Evian for G7 and then in Paris, where I addressed VivaTech 2026 and a large community programme, as well as met CEOs." He added, "I am especially grateful to my friend President Macron, the Government and the people of France for the warmth. The India-France friendship will become even stronger in the times to come."

Earlier in the day, Modi addressed the Indian diaspora and said India is emerging as a "trusted partner" to the world. He also said this is a defining period in India’s journey, where aspirations are reaching new heights. In a post on X, he said, "It’s always special to interact with the Indian diaspora and highlight the collective strides of 140 crore Indians."

At the technology forum VivaTech 2026 in Paris, Modi made a strong pitch for the democratisation of technology, saying AI means "all inclusive" for India. He also highlighted India’s technological strengths and said half of the global digital transactions are happening in the country.

Modi was in the French commune of Evian-Les-Bains for the G7 Summit on Tuesday and Wednesday, where India was invited as a guest country. On the margins of the summit, he met several leaders, including US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney, among others. In his meeting with Trump, Modi raised the issue of seafarers’ safety and urged that their protection be given the highest priority during the implementation of Washington’s peace deal with Iran.

Before France, Modi completed what he described as a "historic and productive" visit to Slovakia, the first by an Indian prime minister. "The outcomes of this visit will go a long way in strengthening bilateral ties between our nations. Stronger trade relations will greatly benefit our youth. Gratitude to the Slovakian government and people for the warmth," he said. During the visit, India and Slovakia elevated their ties to a comprehensive partnership and firmed up 11 agreements covering areas including migration, digital technology and defence, wrapping up a trip in which Modi combined multilateral outreach with bilateral engagements in both countries.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends