Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nice, France, on June 13, 2026 [1], to begin a two-nation state visit.
This visit serves to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss strategic and economic cooperation between India and France. The trip emphasizes joint innovation initiatives and India's role in global governance as Modi prepares to represent the country at the G7 summit.
Modi landed in Nice on Saturday [1] as the first leg of a diplomatic tour that includes both France and Slovakia [4]. He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on June 14, 2026 [2]. These discussions are expected to focus on deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
As part of the visit, Modi inaugurated the ‘Bharat Innovates’ event. This initiative aims to showcase joint innovation, and technological cooperation between the two countries. He will also visit the VivaTech exhibition in Paris to engage with the technology sector.
Following the bilateral meetings, Modi will travel to Evian to attend the G7 summit. The summit is scheduled for June 16-17, 2026 [3]. His participation in the G7 meetings allows India to engage with the world's leading industrialized economies on critical global issues.
French officials, including Education Minister Edouard Geffray and Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste, are participating in the diplomatic proceedings. The coordination between the two governments highlights a shared interest in education, and academic exchange as part of the broader strategic relationship.
“Modi landed in Nice on Saturday as the first leg of a diplomatic tour that includes both France and Slovakia.”
The synchronization of bilateral talks with the G7 summit and the VivaTech exhibition suggests India is positioning itself as a critical bridge between the Global South and Western industrialized powers. By focusing on 'Bharat Innovates,' India is attempting to move the relationship with France beyond traditional defense procurement toward a high-tech, innovation-led economic partnership.
