VISIT OF PM MODI TO FRANCE AS ALSO PARTICIPATION IN G7 SUMMIT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in France on 13th June, 2026. This is his seventh visit to France since becoming Prime Minister. PM Modi received a grand welcome upon his arrival in France. He was welcomed at the airport by France's Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu.

Members of the Indian community gathered in Paris also accorded him a rousing welcome. Despite the biting cold in Paris, the Indian community welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi with warmth and heart. People present there welcomed his arrival by waving the Tricolour and chanting "Modi-Modi" slogans. Siby George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that this visit would be highly meaningful and comprehensive.

BHARAT INNOVATES

The two leaders jointly inaugurated the "Bharat Innovates" event to showcase top deep-tech startups and foster India-France innovation, with startups and venture capital funds from India, France, and other countries participating. President Emmanuel Macron heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inaugural ceremony of ‘Bharat Innovates’. Experts believe that ‘India Innovates 2026’ could prove to be a significant step towards establishing India as a global innovation hub.

After the program, President Macron took Prime Minister Modi on a tour of Villa Kerylos, located near Nice. It is one of France's renowned historical and cultural landmarks.

VIVA TECH 2026

Prime Minister Modi's visit coincides with the upcoming VivaTech 2026 event in France—scheduled for June 17–20—regarded as Europe's largest startup and technology conference. India's national pavilion will be the largest at this year's event, symbolizing the growing partnership between the Indian and European innovation ecosystems.

BILATERAL MEETING

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in the French city of Nice. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also accompanied the Prime Minister.

During this period, 13 major agreements were signed between the two countries. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, discussions at the meeting covered defense, trade, technology, space, and education. The two nations have launched a high-level system and an economic security dialogue aimed at doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.

MACRON SPEAKS: 5 KEY POINTS

• Macron stated that India is leading the world in the fields of research, innovation, and technological development.
• Macron remarked that the question is no longer whether India innovates or not; the question is who in the world will collaborate with India to innovate.
• He said that some countries want to restrict AI models. However, India and France advocate for open, multilingual, and collaborative AI models.
• Macron congratulated Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister since independence. He stated that this reflects his resolute work style, India's strength, and his leadership capabilities.

•   Both countries are working together on energy and climate.

France has always supported India on international platforms. In September 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron called for India to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Today, India and France are preparing to offer the world a third model—the open-source model. France also supports India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Modi said that until a decade ago, the world viewed India as a 'technology adopter,' but today, India has become a 'technology provider' (a provider of solutions). Prime Minister Modi stated that the relationship between India and France is not limited to trade or strategic partnership alone; it is founded on trust, a shared vision, and common goals. Both nations are working together to find solutions to many of the world's major challenges.

G7 SUMMIT

PM Modi attended the 52nd G7 Summit as a partner country at the invitation of the French presidency. Although India is not a member of the G7, it is often invited as a guest nation due to its status as a major global economy and its significant global role. Typically, the Prime Minister of India receives the invitation to the summit. This is the eighth consecutive time that India has been invited to this prestigious conference.

PM Narendra Modi addressed the G7 Session on ‘Reviving a Balanced, Shared and Sustainable Economic Growth for All’. PM highlighted that tangible growth leads to inclusion and well-being of the people and spoke about India’s growth story underpinned by ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’.

PM stated the need for international financial institutions to develop mechanisms that impart economic resilience to developing countries. PM proposed connectivity projects linking Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific Island countries and suggested the creation of the International Mobilization Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade (IMPACT), in which G7’s capital, India’s talent, and the Global South’s ownership could be combined.

Prime Minister Modi commended President Trump for his efforts that had resulted in an understanding to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia and restore peace and stability across the broader region. He also underlined the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in the Strait of Hormuz and the need to ensure the safety of seafarers. Prime Minister Modi and President Trump reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and advancing cooperation across all domains for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the impact of disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz on the global economy during the conflict in West Asia and said several Indian civilians lost their lives.