India to Raise Global South Priorities at G7; First Indian PM Visit to Slovakia Since 1993
New Delhi (Economy India): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for a week-long visit to France and Slovakia, where he will participate in the G7 Summit and hold high-level bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships and advancing cooperation on key global and regional issues.
The visit comes at a time when India’s international profile continues to expand, with New Delhi playing an increasingly influential role in global governance, economic cooperation, climate action, and geopolitical dialogue.
India-France Strategic Partnership to Take Center Stage
In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi described France as a crucial pillar in India’s strategic vision and highlighted the deepening partnership between the two nations.
“France occupies a special place in India’s strategic vision. Earlier this year, President Emmanuel Macron visited India, and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership,” Modi said.
During his visit to Nice, Modi is expected to hold extensive discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron to review progress made since their last meeting and chart a roadmap for future cooperation.
The talks are likely to focus on:
- Defence and security cooperation
- Trade and investment partnerships
- Clean energy initiatives
- Technology and innovation
- Indo-Pacific collaboration
- Global geopolitical developments
Both countries have emerged as key strategic partners in recent years, particularly in areas such as defence manufacturing, civil nuclear cooperation, maritime security and climate action.
India to Participate in G7 Summit
A major highlight of the visit will be Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the G7 Summit in Evian, France.
This marks the eighth consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited, reflecting the country’s growing importance in global decision-making and international economic affairs.
Modi emphasized that India would represent not only its own interests but also the aspirations of developing nations.
“At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South,” the Prime Minister said.
The summit is expected to deliberate on:
- Global economic recovery
- Energy security
- Artificial Intelligence governance
- Climate change
- Supply chain resilience
- Geopolitical stability
- Development financing
India’s participation is being viewed as a recognition of its role as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and a leading voice among emerging nations.
Historic Slovakia Visit
Following the France leg of the tour, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Slovakia, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia became an independent nation in 1993.
The visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations between the two countries.
Modi is scheduled to meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava.
Diplomatic observers believe the visit could open new avenues for cooperation in:
- Trade and investment
- Manufacturing
- Defence industries
- Information technology
- Innovation and research
- Higher education
The visit is also expected to strengthen India’s engagement with Central and Eastern Europe, a region gaining increasing strategic importance.
Expanding India’s Global Footprint
The France-Slovakia tour underscores India’s expanding diplomatic outreach and its growing role in shaping discussions on global governance, economic development and international security.
As India continues to strengthen ties with major economies and emerging partners alike, the visit is expected to reinforce New Delhi’s position as a key stakeholder in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Analysts believe the outcomes of the G7 Summit and bilateral meetings could further enhance India’s diplomatic influence while creating new opportunities for economic and strategic cooperation.
(Economy India)
