Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a visit to France and Slovakia, his first leg of a week-long trip that includes participation in the Evian G7 summit on June 16-17. Ahead of departure, Modi says India’s presence at the G7 reflects the trust of partners and India’s rising global profile. He also frames the trip as an effort to amplify the aspirations of the “Global South” during G7 discussions, describing the engagements as part of India’s deepening engagement with Europe and the G7.
Reports say Modi meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice and then travels to Slovakia for what is described as the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country since its independence in 1993, before returning to France for the G7 summit. Coverage also indicates Modi is expected to raise concerns about the impacts of the conflict in West Asia, including energy-related effects, on Global South countries. In addition, he is expected to emphasize the importance of freedom of navigation, including through the Strait of Hormuz, alongside discussions covering trade, innovation, and strategic ties.
