PM Modi to Launch ‘Bharat Innovates’ in Nice During France Visit, Attend G7 Summit and VivaTech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for a two-nation visit to France and Slovakia, where he will hold high-level talks with leaders, participate in the G7 Summit, and attend major innovation-focused events aimed at strengthening India's global partnerships.

The visit is particularly significant as it marks the first-ever trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country's independence in 1993.

Bharat Innovates, G7 and VivaTech Take Centre Stage

Highlighting the importance of the visit, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the ‘Bharat Innovates’ event in Nice, participate in the G7 Summit in Evian, and attend the VivaTech 2026 technology summit in Paris.

In a post on X, Jaiswal stated: "Strengthening partnerships, advancing progress.PM @narendramodi has departed for the 2-nation visit to France and Slovakia. During the visit, PM will engage with the leadership of both countries. PM will inaugurate 'Bharat Innovates' event at Nice, participate in the G7 Summit at Evian and attend Vivatech event in Paris."

The post further noted: "Notably, this will be first-ever visit by an Indian PM to Slovakia since its independence."

In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of India-France relations.

"Earlier this year, President Macron visited India, and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. When I meet President Macron in Nice, we will review the progress made since February and chart the next steps in our cooperation. I look forward to our discussions on pressing global issues of mutual interest as well", he said.

PM Modi added that he would jointly inaugurate Bharat Innovates with French President Emmanuel Macron on June 14.

"This landmark event, being held against the backdrop of the India-France Year of Innovation, will connect India's most promising start-ups with global investment and serve as a major accelerator for innovations emerging from India's higher education ecosystem".

Historic Slovakia Visit to Boost Strategic Ties

Following his engagements in France, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Slovakia for a State Visit from June 14 to 15, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country since its independence.

Describing the visit as historic, he said: "This historic visit builds on the strong momentum in our bilateral relationship. I look forward to holding discussions with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico in Bratislava. I will also have the opportunity to interact with Slovak business leaders. Building on the momentum of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the visit will further energise our Strategic Partnership with the European Union, of which Slovakia is an important and valued member".

India to Represent Global South at G7

From Slovakia, the Prime Minister will head to Evian to participate in the G7 Summit on June 16 and 17.

"From Slovakia, I will travel to Evian, where I will participate in the G7 Summit on 16 and 17 June 2026. India's presence at the G7 reflects the trust our partners place in us and our growing global profile. This is the 8th consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited. At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South", he highlighted.

PM Modi will conclude the France leg of his visit in Paris on June 18, where he will participate in VivaTech 2026 alongside President Macron.

"VivaTech is Europe's foremost gathering of technology and innovation, and India will have the largest national pavilion at this edition, a fitting symbol of the enormous potential for partnership between Indian and European innovation ecosystems. I also look forward to meeting the members of the vibrant Indian community in Paris, who have been a living bridge between our two nations."

The Prime Minister's participation in Bharat Innovates, VivaTech and the G7 Summit is expected to showcase India's growing role as a global innovation hub while reinforcing its position as a leading voice of the Global South and a key strategic partner for Europe.

(With inputs from ANI)