Modi meets Macron in France:PM says both countries advancing with common goals; Macron hails India as innovation powerhouse

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice. The two leaders jointly inaugurated the Bharat Innovates programme, aimed at promoting startups and venture capital funds from India, France and other countries. Speaking at the event, Modi said that some relationships in the world are driven by a shared vision and common thinking. He said the India-France partnership is one such relationship, extending beyond trade and diplomacy and being rooted in shared values, trust and a common outlook for the future. Macron said that India is a country of innovation. He noted that France has been a partner in the Make in India initiative across defence, technology and several other sectors. He added that India and France share a genuine strategic partnership in critical areas such as artificial intelligence and climate change. Macron also said there is significant potential to expand cooperation in the civilian nuclear energy sector. He added that India and France could work together on emerging nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). 5 key takeaways from PM’s address in France India-France ties are special: Prime Minister Modi said the India-France relationship goes beyond trade or strategic partnership. It is built on trust, shared values and common goals. Both countries are working together to address major global challenges. ‘Bharat Innovates’ is a major platform for youth: Modi said Bharat Innovates connects Indian talent with European investment. It will give Indian startups, young entrepreneurs and innovative ideas access to leading global investors and experts. India is a major startup hub: The Prime Minister noted that while more than 100 startups are participating in the event, India is home to over 200,000 startups. These ventures are contributing not only to India’s growth but also to global economic and technological development. Emerging technologies will shape the future: Modi said the world is facing multiple challenges, but every challenge also creates new opportunities. Technologies such as AI, quantum computing, biotechnology and space technology will define the future. Youth are solving real-world problems: The Prime Minister said India is witnessing a startup revolution, with young people developing innovative solutions to everyday challenges. He added that New India is not just a consumer of technology but is emerging as a provider of solutions to the world. Macron says world wants to innovate with India: 5 key takeaways India is leading global innovation: Macron said India is emerging as a global leader in research, innovation and technological development. He noted that India produces as many engineers each year as Europe and the US combined. The world wants to innovate with India: He said the question is no longer whether India can innovate, but which countries will partner with India in driving innovation. Support for open and collaborative AI models: Macron said some nations want to restrict AI models, but India and France support open, multilingual and collaborative AI systems. Praise for Modi’s leadership: He congratulated Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister since independence, saying it reflects his determination, India’s strength and his leadership abilities. Partnership on energy and climate goals: Macron highlighted cooperation through the International Solar Alliance, the Jaitapur nuclear project and SMR technology, saying both countries are working together to achieve energy self-reliance and climate objectives. PM in France 3 photos… PM on a state visit to 6 countires The Prime Minister is on a 6-day tour of France and Slovakia from June 13 to 18. This is his 7th visit to France since becoming Prime Minister. His French tour will be in two phases. During this period, he will visit 3 cities: Nice, Evian, and Paris. He will stay in Nice from June 13 to 14. From June 16 to 17, he will participate in the G7 Summit in Evian. On June 18, he will attend the VivaTech conference with President Macron in Paris. On June 17, during the G7 Summit, Modi will have a bilateral meeting with US President Trump. The two leaders will meet after 16 months. They last met in Washington in February 2025. Amidst the France tour, Modi will travel from France to Slovakia on the evening of June 14 and will stay until June 15. During this time, he will meet with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. This is the first visit by an Indian PM since Slovakia became an independent country in 1993. Decision Possible on India Joining Hormuz Defense Alliance During the Prime Minister’s visit, a major decision could be made regarding the movement of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran conflict. India had participated in the Paris talks held in April, led by Britain. Regarding the opening of Hormuz, India is in favor of a multilateral security arrangement in accordance with United Nations rules, rather than a security arrangement initiated by a single country. In such a situation, India can agree to join the Hormuz defense alliance, aligning with the initiatives of France and Britain. What is G7, and which countries are in it? G7, or ‘Group of Seven’, is a group of 7 countries in the world that are called countries with ‘modern economies’. These include America, France, Britain, Japan, Italy, Canada, and Germany. It started in 1975 as G6. It became the G7 after Canada joined in 1976. It was renamed G8 with the inclusion of Russia in 1998, but after Russia’s occupation of Ukraine’s Crimea region in 2014, it was expelled from the group. After this, it was again called G7. India is not a member of the G7, but due to its major economy and significant global role, it is often invited as a special guest country. Usually, the Prime Minister of India receives an invitation to the summit. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh participated in the G7 (formerly G8) Summit five times between 2005 and 2013. PM Modi was invited for the first time to the G7 Summit held in Biarritz, France, in 2019. In 2020, the US was supposed to host, but it then canceled the summit. Subsequently, PM Modi virtually participated in the conference hosted by Britain in 2021. Additionally, Modi participated in the G7 Summits held in Germany in 2022, Japan in 2023, Italy in 2024, and Canada in 2025. What is Bharat Innovates, which the PM will inaugurate? ‘Bharat Innovates’ is a new global initiative of the Ministry of Education, which was announced by Prime Minister Modi during the inauguration of the India-France Innovation Year in February 2026. Its objective is to connect Indian startups, IITs, IISc, universities, and research institutions with global investors, companies, universities, and research organizations. This event will take place from June 14 to 16 in the city of Nice at the Palais des Expositions. The mega summit will be inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and France’s President Emmanuel Macron. France Among India’s Top-2 Weapon Suppliers According to a report by the French newspaper Le Monde in 2025, France has stood by India even when major world powers, including the United States, abandoned India. After the nuclear tests in Pokhran, countries like the United States, Japan, Germany, and Britain imposed several sanctions on India, but France supported India. Ignoring American sanctions, France began selling weapons to India and has now become India’s second-largest defense weapon supplier after Russia. India has received Mirage 2000 fighter jets, Rafale fighter jets, and Scorpene submarines from France. France has always supported India on international forums During the G20 Summit held in September 2023, PM Modi invited US President Joe Biden to attend the 2024 Republic Day celebrations, but in December, he declined to visit India. At such a time, India sent an invitation to French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the Republic Day. He immediately accepted it. On international platforms, France has always supported India. French President Emmanuel Macron, in September 2024 at the United Nations, demanded that India be made a permanent member of the Security Council. Additionally, France also advocates for India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). What is the G7 Summit, and what are the key points of its agenda this time? The G7 Summit is held annually to discuss a set agenda, hosted by the country holding the G7 presidency. In fact, all 7 G7 countries take turns holding the presidency. This year, France holds the presidency. Thus, the G7 Summit will be held in the city of Evian, France. The agenda for this summit includes geopolitical crises (Ukraine war, Iran-Israel tensions, situation in Gaza, Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz, security challenges in the Middle East), global economic cooperation and imbalances, and issues related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition, leaders and officers of G7 member countries hold several meetings a year, in which many agreements are made and official statements are issued on major world events. Initially, the G7’s agenda was to resolve issues like economic challenges and climate change. Later, political and security-related issues were also included. G7’s decisions on global issues affect the entire world. For example, in 2002, the G7 created a Global Fund to fight malaria and AIDS. In 1998, during the financial crisis, it provided economic assistance to countries like Indonesia and Thailand. During the Russia-Ukraine war, it decided to impose strict sanctions on Russia and help Ukraine. How is G7 different from G20 G7 does not have a permanent office, and its member countries cannot pass any international laws. The biggest issue in the G20 is the world economy, while political issues are also important for the G7. G20, formed in 1999, includes BRICS countries in addition to G7 countries. These countries include, besides India, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, and the European Union. According to Rajan Kumar, the G20 also includes countries with new and growing economies. Even though G7 and G20 may have a similar agenda, currently, G20 is a more effective group. In 2020, US President Trump also called the G7 a very outdated group.