Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India traveled to France to attend the G7 summit in the lakeside town of Evian [1, 4].
The visit underscores India's growing role in global governance and its strategic intent to align with the world's largest economies on security and economic stability. By engaging with G7 leaders, India seeks to position itself as a critical bridge between developed and developing nations.
The summit is scheduled for June 16-17, 2024 [2]. The venue in Evian is described as a remote lakeside town located on the French-Swiss border [2, 4]. During the trip, Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss shared interests [1].
Modi said, "The aim is to strengthen India's relations with key development partners" [1]. These discussions are intended to address pressing global economic and security challenges that affect international trade, and regional stability [1].
In addition to the summit in France, the prime minister's itinerary includes a visit to Slovakia [3]. This trip marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Slovakia since the country gained its independence [3].
Reports on the arrival process vary. One source said that Modi landed in Nice, where he was greeted by senior French officials [2], while other reports focused on his arrival in France generally for the summit proceedings [1].
“The aim is to strengthen India's relations with key development partners.”
India's invitation to the G7—a group it is not a formal member of—signals the group's recognition of India as an indispensable partner in the Indo-Pacific. The simultaneous visit to Slovakia further demonstrates a diplomatic effort to diversify India's European partnerships beyond its traditional ties with major powers like France.
