New Delhi, 19 June (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday departed from Paris for New Delhi after successfully concluding a six-day visit to France and Slovakia, a tour marked by high-level diplomatic engagements, technology partnerships, strategic discussions, and meetings with world leaders aimed at strengthening India's global partnerships.

The visit began in France, where PM Modi travelled to Nice and held wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the India-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and jointly launched the Bharat Innovates initiative to boost cooperation in innovation, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, startups, research, and entrepreneurship. They also reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across defence, clean energy, space, trade, and the Indo-Pacific.

During his stay in France, the Prime Minister participated in the VivaTech 2026 technology summit in Paris, where he addressed global business leaders, innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs. In his address on Thursday, PM Modi highlighted India's rapid transformation into a leading digital economy and one of the world's fastest-growing startup ecosystems. He said technology and innovation are being used to improve governance, promote inclusive growth, and create opportunities for millions of people.

Along with President Macron, Modi also visited the VivaTech exhibition, interacting with startup founders and technology innovators showcasing next-generation solutions in artificial intelligence, robotics, mobility, sustainability, and digital technologies.

The Prime Minister also met members of the Indian community in Paris on Thursday, thanking them for their enduring connection with India and describing them as an important bridge in strengthening India-France relations. He praised the diaspora for contributing to both countries while preserving India's cultural values and traditions.

The second leg of the visit took PM Modi to Bratislava, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country became an independent nation in 1993. During talks with Slovak leaders, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade, defence, innovation, digital technology, education, manufacturing, and people-to-people exchanges. The visit was seen as an important step towards broadening India's engagement with Central Europe.

PM Modi also participated in the G7 Outreach Summit, where he joined discussions on key global issues, including economic growth, energy security, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, climate action, and international cooperation. On the sidelines of the summit, he held a series of bilateral meetings with leaders from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and several other partner countries to discuss ways to deepen strategic, economic, and technological collaboration.

Throughout the six-day tour, the Prime Minister underlined India's commitment to strengthening partnerships based on innovation, sustainable development, and shared democratic values. The visit also showcased India's expanding role in global technology, diplomacy, and economic cooperation.

Concluding his engagements, PM Modi departed from Paris for New Delhi, bringing to a close a diplomatic tour that further reinforced India's ties with Europe and reaffirmed the country's growing presence on the global stage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar