Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads for the G7 Summit at Evian in France (June 16-19) at a time when an FTA with the European Union is pending, and the same EU has signalled it will crack down hard on companies contributing to Russia’s “war economy”.
It has defined the war economy as weapons manufacturers, drone manufacturers, refineries, oil traders and nearly 90 banks alleged to be helping Russia evade sanctions. Indian companies will be hit. Can he prevail upon them to go easy on India given energy and other vulnerabilities, remains to be seen.
The other sticking point at the G7 for PM Modi could be Donald Trump. Despite protestations of friendship and phone calls, Modi knows all too well that the man who has done perhaps lasting damage to the India-US relationship is Trump. And while there will be opportunities for “quiet asides” with him, expect Modi to be cautious.
The summit will focus on artificial intelligence, economic resilience, critical minerals, trade, besides of course Ukraine and West Asia. Modi’s message will urge inclusive technological development, equitable economic growth and reforms in global governance institutions that better reflect contemporary realities.
The French leg of the visit includes a bilateral (June 13-14) with President Macron in Nice, the seafront facing city to the southeast of the country. They are expected to review bilateral ties under the recently elevated India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership.
Key announcements are expected about the deal for India to buy and build 114 Rafale fighters and get jet engine technology. Discussions are also expected to touch on nuclear energy, space besides maritime security and the Indo-Pacific.
A major highlight will be the joint inauguration of the “Bharat Innovates” event in Nice. Bringing together almost 200 leading startups, investors and venture capital funds from India, France and other countries, the initiative reflects the growing importance of innovation-led diplomacy in bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Modi’s participation in VivaTech in Paris, Europe’s largest startup and technology event, is expected to further showcase India’s digital economy, entrepreneurial ecosystem and growing role in global technology value chains.
The Nice summit will be followed by a quick trip, the first by an Indian prime minister, to Slovakia (June 14 – 16 June). Recall that President Droupadi Murmu was on a state visit to Slovakia last year and earlier this year, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini was in India for the AI Action Summit.
Slovakia is one of Europe’s most industrialised economies and a major automotive manufacturing hub. It has known for precision engineering, railways and aerospace components. It generates almost two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear power. It also has expertise in nuclear waste management and operating reactors.
It is a long time supplier of military equipment to India ranging from artillery systems, to flight simulators and recovery vehicles. Slovakia has also shown interest in Indian military platforms.
