Key Facts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nice, France, on Saturday for a multi-day visit that includes the G7 Summit, bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, and participation in technology and innovation events. He was received at the airport by French dignitaries including Education Minister Edouard Geffray, Minister of Higher Education Philippe Baptiste, Ambassador Thierry Mathou, and Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti.
Details of the Visit
In a social media post after landing, PM Modi said: "Landed in Nice. In addition to Nice, this France visit includes programmes in Evian and Paris. There will be bilateral and multilateral engagements, which will be aimed at improving India's friendships with key developmental partners." He added, "I look forward to meeting President Macron tomorrow and to being at 'Bharat Innovates'."
On Sunday, Modi will hold bilateral talks with Macron and jointly inaugurate 'Bharat Innovates', an event that brings together startups and venture capital funds from India, France, and other countries. The two leaders are expected to review the full spectrum of the India-France relationship, which was elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year.
In a rare gesture, the Indian Tricolour was hoisted at the City Hall in Nice to mark Modi's arrival.
G7 Summit and Other Engagements
The G7 Summit will be held in Evian on June 16 and 17. Ahead of the summit, Modi said India would not only speak for itself but also voice the aspirations of the Global South. He noted that India's participation reflects the trust placed by its partners and its growing global stature.
Modi will conclude his France visit in Paris on June 18, where he will attend VivaTech 2026 alongside President Macron. VivaTech is Europe's premier technology and innovation event, and India will have the largest national pavilion at this edition, highlighting the potential for cooperation between Indian and European innovation ecosystems.
Impact and What Readers Should Know
This visit underscores India's deepening strategic ties with France and its active role in global forums like the G7. The focus on startups and innovation through Bharat Innovates and VivaTech signals a push for economic and technological collaboration. Additionally, Modi's subsequent state visit to Slovakia on June 14-15, where he will meet President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico, further expands India's diplomatic outreach in Europe.
FAQ
- Why is PM Modi visiting France? PM Modi is visiting France to attend the G7 Summit, hold bilateral talks with President Macron, and participate in events like Bharat Innovates and VivaTech 2026.
- What is Bharat Innovates? Bharat Innovates is an event bringing together leading startups and venture capital funds from India, France, and other countries, jointly inaugurated by PM Modi and President Macron.
- What is the significance of India's participation in the G7 Summit? India's participation reflects its growing global stature and trust from partners. PM Modi said India will voice the aspirations of the Global South.
- Will PM Modi visit any other country after France? Yes, after France, PM Modi will travel to Slovakia for a state visit on June 14-15, where he will meet President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com