France, a Slovakia first, and the G7 Summit: What to expect from Modi's Europe visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's June 13-18 visit to France and Slovakia comes at a pivotal moment as New Delhi seeks to deepen strategic partnerships in Europe and advance its interests in major global sectors.

The six-day tour will see participation in the Group of Seven (G7) Summit as an invited partner, and a historic first-ever visit by an Indian prime minister to Slovakia since the Central European nation became independent in 1993.

France leg begins with focus on innovation & strategic cooperation

Modi's European tour opens in France, a country that has emerged as one of India's closest strategic partners over the past decade.

The visit follows the decision by New Delhi and Paris earlier this year to elevate their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, reflecting the growing scope of cooperation between the two countries across defence, technology, energy, space, and economic sectors.

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The first stop is Nice (June 13-14), where Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are scheduled to hold extensive discussions on the future trajectory of bilateral relations.

A major highlight of the visit will be the launch of the "Bharat Innovates" exhibition, an initiative being organised under the India-France Year of Innovation. The programme is designed to bring together Indian startups and European investors, creating opportunities for collaboration in emerging technologies and next-generation industries.

For India, the exhibition serves as a platform to showcase advances in digital public infrastructure, quantum computing research, clean-energy technologies and deep-tech entrepreneurship.

The initiative reflects New Delhi's broader effort to attract global investment into India's innovation ecosystem while also creating pathways for Indian technology companies to access European markets and capital.

The innovation-focused agenda represents a shift in the evolution of India-France relations. While defence cooperation remains a central pillar of the partnership, both countries are increasingly emphasising collaboration in cutting-edge technologies, research and industrial development.

The discussions in Nice are also expected to cover a series of new bilateral initiatives, with diplomatic sources indicating that around a dozen announcements may emerge from the visit.

Defence remains a key pillar

Among the issues likely to be discussed is the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, one of India's most important military aviation projects.

Under the framework being explored, 18 Rafale fighter aircraft would be delivered directly from France, while the remaining jets would be manufactured in India.

The arrangement is expected to include approximately 50 per cent indigenous content, aligning with India's broader push to expand domestic defence production capabilities under the Make-in-India initiative.

French officials are understood to be supportive of integrating Indian-made weapon systems into the aircraft, a factor that could enhance interoperability while supporting indigenous defence manufacturing.

Beyond fighter aircraft, both sides are expected to continue discussions on long-term defence industrial cooperation, maintenance and support infrastructure, and co-development opportunities involving aviation and naval platforms.

The visit also comes at a time when India is seeking to reduce dependence on external suppliers by increasing domestic production and expanding partnerships that involve technology transfer and local manufacturing.

Nuclear energy emerges as another major agenda item

Civil nuclear cooperation is expected to feature prominently during Modi's talks with Macron.

Interest from French companies in India's nuclear energy sector has increased following the enactment of the SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India) legislation, reported PTI.

India has set an ambitious goal of raising its nuclear generation capacity from the current 8.78 gigawatts to 100 gigawatts by 2047. Achieving that objective will require significant investment, technological collaboration and international partnerships.

French firms see opportunities in supporting India's long-term nuclear expansion plans, making the sector an increasingly important component of bilateral engagement.

The nuclear discussions are expected to complement broader conversations on energy security and the transition to cleaner energy sources, issues that have become central to economic planning in both countries.

Paris and VivaTech: Showcasing India's technology ambitions

The final phase of the France visit will take Modi to Paris (June 18), where technology diplomacy will take centre stage.

The prime minister is scheduled to participate in VivaTech, Europe's largest startup and technology gathering. India is expected to have the largest national pavilion at the event, reflecting the country's growing role in the global technology ecosystem.

The forum provides New Delhi with an opportunity to highlight the success of its digital public infrastructure model, including technology frameworks that have transformed financial inclusion and digital service delivery domestically.

Indian officials see growing international interest in adapting aspects of these systems in other regions, including Europe. The event will also allow Indian startups and technology firms to engage directly with investors, corporations and policymakers from across the continent.

Alongside the technology-focused engagements, Modi is expected to interact with members of the Indian diaspora and continue bilateral consultations with French leaders.

Historic visit places Slovakia in India's European strategy

From France, Modi will travel to Slovakia (June 14-16) in what is being described as a landmark diplomatic engagement. No Indian prime minister has previously visited Slovakia since it became an independent state in 1993.

The visit follows growing engagement between the two countries, including Slovak President Peter Pellegrini's visit to India earlier this year. During his stay in Bratislava, Modi is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Robert Fico and meet Pellegrini.

The discussions are expected to focus on economic cooperation, manufacturing partnerships, defence collaboration, skilled workforce mobility and support for deeper India-European Union engagement.

For New Delhi, Slovakia's strategic value extends beyond bilateral trade figures. The country occupies an important position within the European Union's industrial network and has emerged as a significant manufacturing centre, particularly in the automotive sector.

India sees opportunities to use Slovakia as a gateway into Central European supply chains and broader European markets.

Building supply-chain links in Central Europe

One of the key objectives of the Slovakia visit is to expand India's access to manufacturing and logistics networks in Central Europe.

Slovakia is among the world's leading automobile producers on a per-capita basis, making it an attractive partner for Indian automotive and component manufacturers seeking greater integration with European production systems.

Discussions are expected to explore investments in logistics hubs, industrial partnerships and supply-chain connectivity. Railway cooperation is also likely to feature in the talks, reflecting India's interest in broadening industrial collaboration beyond traditional sectors.

The effort aligns with New Delhi's broader strategy of diversifying economic partnerships across Europe rather than concentrating engagement solely in major Western European economies.

Defence production and skilled mobility on the agenda

Defence manufacturing is another area expected to receive attention during the Bratislava discussions. India has been pursuing a strategy of expanding international defence partnerships while increasing domestic production capacity.

Talks in Slovakia are likely to examine possibilities for cooperation involving heavy transport equipment, specialised steel production and ammunition-related industrial capabilities.

The two sides are also expected to discuss movement of skilled professionals. India has consistently sought easier mobility pathways for its technology and digital workforce, particularly within Europe.

The issue has become increasingly relevant as negotiations continue over a comprehensive India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.

Bratislava has expressed support for advancing the agreement, and Indian officials are expected to use the visit to strengthen backing for faster progress on trade and mobility-related provisions.

India's G7 role continues to expand

A major component of the tour will be Modi's participation in the G7 Summit outreach sessions in Evian-les-Bains on June 16 and 17. Although India is not a member of the G7, its repeated invitations over recent years illustrate its growing significance in international affairs.

India has participated in G7 discussions hosted by France in Biarritz in 2019, Germany in 2022, Japan in 2023, Italy in 2024 and Canada in 2025. This year's summit in France marks another chapter in that continuing engagement.

The G7 consists of seven core member nations and the European Union. The member countries include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Over the years, India's participation has covered issues such as digital transformation, climate financing, biodiversity, food security, energy transitions, artificial intelligence, supply-chain resilience, critical minerals and Global South development priorities.

At Evian, discussions are expected to focus on international partnerships, economic growth, development cooperation, resilient supply chains and AI governance.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, said, "The discussions will broadly cover focus on the renewal of international partnerships and development solidarity, fostering shared and balanced growth. India's regular participation at the G7 summits reflects the increasing recognition of India's role."

Officials have indicated that Modi will use the summit to highlight the concerns and aspirations of developing nations, reinforcing India's effort to position itself as a bridge between advanced economies and the Global South.

West Asia crisis likely to feature prominently

The summit takes place amid rising tensions in West Asia and growing concerns about global energy supplies. The economic consequences of instability in the region are expected to be a recurring theme in bilateral and multilateral discussions.

Particular attention is being paid to developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy transit routes.

For India, the issue carries additional significance because of the large number of Indian seafarers working in the Gulf region and the country's dependence on stable energy imports.

Indian officials have also expressed concern about the safety of commercial shipping and civilian crews operating in the area.

On June 10, a precision strike conducted by US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces targeted the engine room of the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian seafarers, including the ship's chief engineer.

India is the world’s third-largest supplier of seafarers, with over 300,000 sailors working globally. Right now, there are an estimated 18,000 Indian sailors operating within the wider Gulf region, and 13 Indian-flagged vessels are currently stranded inside the Strait of Hormuz due to active hostilities.

Modi-Trump meeting

Among the most closely watched engagements in Evian could be a bilateral meeting between Modi and US President Donald Trump. Indian government sources have indicated that such a meeting is likely on the sidelines of the summit.

Trade is expected to be one of the central issues. Negotiators from both countries have been working toward the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement, which Indian officials have suggested could be concluded by mid-July.

India has been seeking favourable tariff treatment as part of the negotiations, while discussions continue regarding additional proposed US tariffs on certain imports from India.

The issue has gained prominence amid broader trade tensions between the two countries. Visa policies are also expected to be discussed.

Changes affecting H-1B visa programmes have implications for a large number of Indian professionals employed in the United States, making the issue a priority for New Delhi.

Energy cooperation may emerge as another topic of conversation, including potential discussions involving the United States and Venezuela.

Recent diplomatic engagement between the two countries has already covered areas such as maritime security, energy supplies, trade, visas and developments in West Asia.

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With inputs from agencies