Prime Minister Modi Begins Five-Day Visit to France and Slovakia

Arrival in France

Nice (France), June 13: On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in France, marking the beginning of his five-day trip that will also take him to Slovakia.

During his visit, he is set to engage in discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, attend the G7 Summit, and participate in various innovation-related events.

This trip aims to enhance the partnership between India and France, focusing on expanding collaboration in critical sectors.

Upon his arrival in Nice, Modi was welcomed at the Nice Cote d'Azur Airport by several dignitaries, including French Education Minister Edouard Geffray, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Space Philippe Baptiste, French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou, and Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti.

In a social media update following his arrival, the Prime Minister mentioned that his itinerary includes activities in Nice, Evian, and Paris, featuring both bilateral and multilateral discussions.

"Landed in Nice. In addition to Nice, this France visit includes programmes in Evian and Paris. There will be bilateral and multilateral engagements, which will be aimed at improving India's friendships with key developmental partners," Modi stated.

Members of the Indian diaspora in Nice warmly welcomed the Prime Minister, gathering in large numbers, waving the national flag and chanting patriotic slogans.

Modi being welcomed by members of the Indian community upon his arrival, in Nice. (Photo:PTI)

"A memorable welcome from the Indian community in Nice. Though they may be several kilometres away from home, the bond of our diaspora with India remains as strong as ever," Modi remarked.

In a notable gesture, the Indian flag was raised at the City Hall, the office of the Mayor of Nice, to commemorate the Prime Minister's visit.

He expressed eagerness to meet President Macron and participate in the "Bharat Innovates" event.

On Sunday, Modi and Macron are anticipated to hold discussions and jointly inaugurate "Bharat Innovates," an event designed to connect leading startups and venture capitalists from India, France, and beyond.

The two leaders are also expected to assess the comprehensive scope of India-France relations, which were elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year.

In related news, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Modi regarding recent statements from the US following the deaths of three Indian sailors in attacks on ships near Oman.

Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of neglecting India's interests after the US reiterated its stance against violations of its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and the illicit transport of Iranian oil.

In a Hindi social media post, Gandhi stated, "Just days after three Indian sailors were killed in American attacks there is neither regret nor apology. On the contrary, the US continues to issue orders."

This criticism followed a conversation between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday.