Modi begins France, Slovakia tour to boost economic, cultural ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a multi-day visit to France and Slovakia aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, cultural ties and strategic partnerships with the two European nations.

In a post on X, Modi said his trip would include bilateral and multilateral engagements, as well as meetings with members of the Indian diaspora, Caliber.Az reports. 

Over the next few days, I will be in France and Slovakia to attend various programmes, including bilateral talks, multilateral engagements and interaction with the Indian diaspora. The focus will be on boosting economic as well as cultural linkages.

The visit will begin with…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2026

“Over the next few days, I will be in France and Slovakia to attend various programmes, including bilateral talks, multilateral engagements and interaction with the Indian diaspora,” Modi wrote. “The focus will be on boosting economic as well as cultural linkages.”

The Indian leader said the France leg of the visit would begin in the city of Nice, where he is scheduled to participate in the “Bharat Innovates” event alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.

Highlighting the growing innovation partnership between the two countries, Modi noted that India and France are celebrating the “India-France Year of Innovation.”

“The visit will begin with programmes in Nice, notably ‘Bharat Innovates’, in which President Macron will be present,” Modi said. “As India and France are marking the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’, ‘Bharat Innovates’ will be a vibrant platform that brings together innovators, StartUps and those related to the world of innovation.”

Modi also confirmed that he will hold talks with Macron during the visit, with discussions expected to focus on advancing bilateral cooperation.

“In Nice, I will also hold talks with President Macron, where we will review the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership,” he said.

By Sabina Mammadli