Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin a nearly week-long visit to France and Slovakia on June 13, with the G7 Summit in France emerging as the centrepiece of the trip. The visit will include bilateral meetings, participation in global discussions and engagements focused on technology, innovation and economic cooperation.
Reportedly, a possible interaction between Modi and US President Donald Trump is also drawing attention ahead of the summit. While the two leaders are expected to be present at the gathering, a formal bilateral meeting has not yet been confirmed.
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Modi-Macron meeting to spotlight India-France ties and innovation
Modi will start his visit in the French city of Nice, where he is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on June 14. The two leaders will jointly inaugurate Bharat Innovates, a three-day event showcasing technology ventures from Indian higher education institutions and centrally funded technical institutes.
(Representational Image) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron /ANI According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the meeting will provide an opportunity for both leaders to review bilateral ties, which were elevated to a special global strategic partnership this year.
First Indian PM visit to Slovakia since 1993
Following his engagements in France, Modi will travel to Slovakia for a state visit from June 14 to 16. The trip will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia became an independent nation in 1993.
During the visit, Modi is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Robert Fico and meet President Peter Pellegrini.
G7 outreach sessions and key global discussions
After Slovakia, Modi will return to France to participate in the G7 Summit outreach sessions in Evian on June 16 and 17. Sources indicated that meetings with leaders from the UK, Germany and Egypt are likely. A meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has also not been ruled out.
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The external affairs ministry said Modi will participate in discussions on "Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity", "Reviving Balanced, Shared and Sustainable Economic Growth for All", and "Ensuring a Safe, Rapid and Efficient Rollout of AI".
PM Modi's Europe tour includes G7 outreach sessions and bilateral meetings. /ANI The ministry added that Modi's participation in the summit "reflects India’s standing as a leading voice of the Global South and a key partner in addressing global challenges".
Final stop in Paris
The final leg of the visit will take Modi to Paris on June 18, where he is expected to attend the VivaTech Summit, Europe’s largest technology and startup event. He is also likely to interact with members of the Indian community in the French capital.
FAQs :
Will PM Modi meet US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit?
A Modi-Trump bilateral meeting has not been confirmed, though both leaders are expected to attend the summit, making an interaction possible.
How many times has India been invited to the G7 Summit?
India has been invited to the G7/G8 Summit 12 times as a special guest or outreach partner, reflecting its growing importance in global affairs.