Indian PM, Modi's Europe Gambit: How a Six-Day Trip to France and Slovakia Could Reshape EU-India Ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a six-day official visit to France and Slovakia from 13 to 18 June 2026, marking a significant moment in India's engagement with Europe. The trip includes bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, participation in the G7 Summit in Evian, France, and attendance at VivaTech, Europe's largest technology and startup event.

Strategic Partnership with France Takes Centre Stage

In the first leg of the visit, the Prime Minister will meet President Macron in Nice on 14 June. Both leaders will review the full spectrum of the India-France bilateral relationship, which was elevated to the level of a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year. The two leaders will jointly inaugurate the 'Bharat Innovates' event in Nice, bringing together top innovation startups and Venture Capital funds from India, France, and other countries.

This signature event, held during the India-France Year of Innovation, reinforces the vibrant innovation partnership between the two nations. The MEA stated that the visit will further deepen India's partnership with France and the G7.

First Indian PM Visit to Slovakia Since 1993

From 14 to 16 June, the Prime Minister will undertake a state visit to Slovakia at the invitation of Prime Minister Robert Fico. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country's independence in 1993.

During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with Fico to explore new avenues of cooperation and will also meet President Peter Pellegrini. The MEA statement confirmed that the visit will reaffirm India's commitment towards strengthening its bilateral relationship with Slovakia in various sectors, including trade, investment, and automobile and railway manufacturing.

India’s European Frontier: Strengthening ties through diplomacy, technology, and industry as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June visit to France, Slovakia, and the G7 advances strategic cooperation with Europe.

G7 Summit and Global Economic Dialogue

The Prime Minister will travel to Evian, France, on 16–17 June to attend the G7 Summit. He is expected to participate in discussions on global economic recovery, international solidarity, and the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence.

VivaTech: Unlocking EU-India Tech Cooperation

On 18 June, the Prime Minister will visit Paris for further bilateral engagements and attend the VivaTech Summit, Europe's largest technology and startup event. This aligns with broader EU-India cooperation in trusted technology, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and 6G.

EU-India Partnership in Context

The PM's European visit underscores India's growing engagement with Europe. The EU remains India's largest trading partner in goods, with bilateral trade in goods standing at USD 136 billion in FY 2024-25. Trade in services reached a record €37 billion in 2024.

Crucially, negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement concluded on 27 January 2026, marking the largest such deal ever concluded by either side. The agreement eliminates or reduces tariffs on over 96% of EU goods exports and will potentially double EU goods exports to India by 2032. EU investments in India exceed USD 117 billion, with around 6,000 European companies operating in the country.

The visit will further deepen India's partnership with France, Slovakia, and the G7, reinforcing India-EU strategic cooperation across trade, technology, and security domains.