Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nice, France, on June 13, 2026 [1], to hold bilateral talks with President Emmanuel Macron.

This state visit underscores a deepening strategic partnership between India and France, focusing on high-tech cooperation and investment ahead of the G7 summit. By centering the visit on innovation and technology, both nations aim to synchronize their economic goals in the startup and technology sectors.

Modi and Macron will jointly inaugurate the 'Bharat Innovates' innovation summit in Nice [2]. The event is designed to promote cooperation in technology, investment, and startups between the two countries [3]. The Prime Minister's visit to Nice is scheduled for June 13-14, 2026 [4].

"The aim was to strengthen India's relations with key development partners," Modi said [5].

The first leg of the visit in Nice serves as a precursor to the G7 summit, which will take place in Evian on June 16-17, 2026 [6]. Following the summit, Modi is scheduled to visit Evian and Paris between June 16 and 18, 2026 [4].

While some reports suggest that a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is high on the agenda during the G7 summit [7], other reports focus exclusively on the bilateral discussions with Macron and the innovation summit [8]. The primary objective remains the strengthening of the India-France strategic partnership [3].

"PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron will jointly inaugurate the 'Bharat Innovates' event in Nice," the IndiaTV News Desk said [9].

“The aim was to strengthen India's relations with key development partners.”

The coordination of a specialized innovation summit alongside the G7 summit indicates that India is leveraging multilateral forums to secure specific bilateral technological advancements. By prioritizing 'Bharat Innovates,' India is signaling its intent to move beyond traditional defense ties with France toward a broader economic integration centered on the digital economy and startup ecosystems.