Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed India on Saturday, June 13, 2026, for a two-nation visit to France and Slovakia [2].
The trip signals India's intent to deepen strategic ties with Europe as maritime competition increases. By participating in the G7 summit, Modi aims to position India as a primary voice for the Global South in high-level international diplomacy [1].
The visit is scheduled to last from June 13 to June 18, 2026 [3]. During his time in France, Modi will hold talks with President Emmanuel Macron. A central component of these discussions will be the expansion of defence cooperation between the two nations [2].
Beyond bilateral meetings, the G7 summit provides a platform for India to address systemic global challenges. Modi intends to raise specific issues affecting developing nations to ensure their interests are represented during the summit's deliberations [1].
The itinerary also includes a visit to Slovakia, further diversifying India's diplomatic engagements within the European continent [3]. This multi-pronged approach focuses on strengthening security partnerships, and economic ties—key pillars of India's current foreign policy strategy.
Officials said the visit will focus on strategic autonomy and the promotion of a multipolar world. The coordination between New Delhi and Paris remains a cornerstone of India's European outreach, particularly in the realms of technology and military hardware [2].
“India will speak for Global South at G7 summit”
This diplomatic push underscores India's ambition to transition from a regional power to a global mediator. By bridging the gap between the G7 nations and the Global South, India seeks to increase its leverage in international trade and security architectures while reducing reliance on any single strategic partner.
