New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India will use the platform of the upcoming G7 Summit not only to articulate its own perspectives but also to represent the aspirations and concerns of the Global South.

In his departure statement ahead of a week-long visit to France and Slovakia, Modi said India's continued presence at the G7 reflected the confidence of the international community in the country's growing global stature and constructive role in addressing major international challenges.

"This is the eighth consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited. At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South," he said.

The G7 Summit is scheduled to take place in Evian, France, on June 16 and 17.

Expressing confidence that the visits would further strengthen India's engagement with Europe, Modi said they would deepen ties with both the continent and the world's leading industrial democracies.

"I am confident that my visits to France and the Slovak Republic will reinforce India's deepening engagement with both Europe and the G7, and showcase our steadfast commitment to expanding the horizon of our partnerships with the continent and beyond," he said.

Highlighting the importance of India-France ties, the prime minister described France as occupying a "special place" in India's strategic vision.

During his visit, Modi will inaugurate the 'Bharat Innovates' initiative alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice on June 14. The event, being organised as part of the India-France Year of Innovation, aims to connect Indian start-ups with global investors and promote innovations emerging from India's higher education ecosystem.

"I am eagerly looking forward to inaugurating 'Bharat Innovates' with President Macron. This landmark event will connect India's most promising start-ups with global investment and serve as a major accelerator for innovations emerging from India's higher education ecosystem," Modi said.

Following his engagements in France, the prime minister will undertake a state visit to Slovakia from June 14 to 15 -- the first by an Indian prime minister since the country's independence in 1993.

Describing the trip as historic, Modi said it reflected the growing momentum in bilateral relations.

"This historic visit builds on the strong momentum in our bilateral relationship. I look forward to holding discussions with President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico," he said.

He noted that Slovakia was an important partner within the European Union and said the visit would further strengthen India's strategic partnership with the bloc.

"Building on the momentum of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the visit will further energise our Strategic Partnership with the European Union, of which Slovakia is an important and valued member," he added.

Modi will then travel to Evian to participate in the G7 Summit before concluding his France visit in Paris on June 18, where he is scheduled to attend VivaTech 2026, Europe's premier technology and innovation event, alongside President Macron.

The prime minister said India's participation at VivaTech underscored the country's growing role as an innovation powerhouse.

"India will have the largest national pavilion at this edition, a fitting symbol of the enormous potential for partnership between Indian and European innovation ecosystems," he said.

Modi also expressed his eagerness to interact with members of the Indian diaspora during the visit.

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"I also look forward to meeting the members of the vibrant Indian community in Paris, who have been a living bridge between our two nations," he said.