It wrapped up just yesterday, June 18, 2026, with him flying back to Delhi after a packed six days bouncing between France and Slovakia. Feels like one of those trips where real connections got made, not just handshakes and photos. Let me tell you about it the way we’d chat over coffee – the highlights, especially that warm Paris finish.
It all started on June 13 when Modi landed in Nice, France. Straight away, the vibe was about fresh ideas and teamwork. He met President Emmanuel Macron and they kicked off this “Bharat Innovates” thing – basically a big gathering of startups, investors, and thinkers from India and France. Tied perfectly into the India-France Year of Innovation. You could picture the energy: people talking tech, clean energy, and ways to actually make life better for folks back home. Both sides see each other as real partners who can push things forward together.
From there, he went to Slovakia – and get this, it was the first time an Indian Prime Minister has ever visited since they became independent in 1993. Big deal. In Bratislava, they did the traditional welcome at the castle with bread and salt, and Modi even got them chanting “Vande Mataram” kind of vibes. He sat down with PM Robert Fico, and they decided to level up their relationship to a full Comprehensive Partnership. About 14 different agreements came out of it – stuff on defense, trade, easier movement for workers, digital stuff, science, and even setting up an India Chair for AI at one of their universities. Slovakia also threw support behind India’s hopes for that big India-EU trade deal. Modi received their top civilian honor, the Order of the White Double Cross. Felt like genuine respect and a door opening for more cooperation. He thanked them warmly before heading back to France.
Next up was the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains on June 16-17. India was there as a guest, and Modi used the platform to speak up for the Global South – you know, the kind of things that matter to developing countries like ours. Talks revolved around building better partnerships, growing economies in a sustainable way, and handling AI responsibly.
Then came the Paris part, which everyone’s still buzzing about. Modi arrived from Évian, got a heartfelt welcome from the Indian community there. The big ticket event was joining Macron at VivaTech 2026 – Europe’s massive tech and startup carnival. India had the largest pavilion by far, showing off our crazy vibrant startup scene with over a lakh companies doing their thing globally. It was like a proud moment on the world stage.
They talked seriously about AI, startups, and how to team up more. Modi spoke about India’s digital public goods like Aadhaar and UPI, which are even popping up at the Eiffel Tower and Paris airports now. He kept stressing “All Inclusive” AI – the kind that actually helps teachers, doctors, farmers, and regular people, not just the elite. They met big shots from companies like Mistral AI and Alstom, exploring practical partnerships. Macron wrapped things up with a nice personal touch, saying something in Hindi like “Priye mitra Narendra,” talking about lasting friendship between France and India. That went viral for good reason – felt real and warm.
Modi also spent time with the Indian diaspora in Paris, reminding everyone how these international ties bring benefits home – jobs, technology, opportunities. The overall India-France relationship is this Special Global Strategic Partnership covering defense, nuclear, culture, tech – you name it. They reviewed everything and looked ahead, with Macron planning to visit India next year.
Look, beyond the agreements and events, what sticks with me is the human side. Leaders treating each other like friends, our people abroad cheering, and India coming across as this confident player that’s innovating and bridging gaps. For us regular folks, it means potential for more jobs for our kids in tech, better energy options, stronger trade that could boost the economy. Slovakia backing us on EU issues and France focusing on tech collaboration – these aren’t just headlines; they could translate into real stuff on the ground eventually.
Six days of nonstop action – Nice, Bratislava, Évian, Paris. Modi’s departure from Paris yesterday closed the chapter nicely. In a world that feels chaotic sometimes, seeing India engage like this, giving voice to the Global South at big forums while deepening old friendships, is reassuring. It’s not flashy drama; it’s steady work building trust over years.
People always wonder if these visits actually change anything. From what I see, yeah – they open doors for businesses, create people-to-people bonds, and help India stand as a problem-solver globally. The momentum from this trip feels positive.
Sources:
- The Hindu live updates and coverage
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
- PMO India statements and briefings
- Reuters, India Today, and other mainstream reports on the visit.
