Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris late Wednesday night as part of his ongoing Europe visit and received a warm welcome from members of the Indian diaspora. People gathered outside his hotel to greet him, with the Prime Minister interacting with community members and children before beginning his engagements in the French capital.

Modi is scheduled to attend the major European technology event, VivaTech 2026, on Thursday. French President Emmanuel Macron is also expected to participate in the conference, which brings together technology companies, startups, investors, innovators, and policymakers from around the world.

The Prime Minister's visit comes immediately after his participation in the 52nd G7 Summit held in Évian-les-Bains, where India attended as a guest nation. During the summit, Modi held several bilateral meetings with world leaders, including US President Donald Trump.

The visit highlights India's growing engagement with global technology and innovation ecosystems at a time when artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and emerging technologies are becoming central to international economic cooperation.

Focus on Technology and Innovation

VivaTech is considered one of Europe's largest technology conferences and serves as a platform for showcasing innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics, green technology, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.

An India Pavilion has also been established at the event to showcase Indian startups, technological advancements, and innovation-led initiatives. The pavilion is expected to highlight India's expanding role in the global startup ecosystem and digital economy.

Officials said the event provides an opportunity for Indian companies and innovators to connect with international investors and technology leaders.

Bilateral Engagements at G7

Ahead of his Paris engagements, Modi attended the G7 Summit, where discussions focused on global economic growth, energy security, technology partnerships, trade, and geopolitical challenges.

During the summit, Modi met several world leaders, including Keir Starmer, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Friedrich Merz, Ursula von der Leyen, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Mark Carney.

The meetings reportedly covered issues related to investment, energy cooperation, trade expansion, technology partnerships, and regional security.

Slovakia Honor and France Agreements

Before attending the G7 Summit, Modi visited Slovakia, where he was conferred the country's highest civilian honour, the Order of the White Double Cross (First Class), by Peter Pellegrini.

Earlier in France, Modi and Macron held bilateral talks in Nice. According to official statements, the two leaders discussed cooperation in defence, trade, technology, education, and space. Several agreements were signed, and both countries launched a new Economic Security Dialogue aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties.

Why the Visit Matters

India's participation in both the G7 Summit and VivaTech underscores its growing global influence in economic and technological affairs. The Paris visit is expected to strengthen India-France cooperation in innovation, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and strategic industries.

As global competition intensifies in emerging technologies, India's presence at VivaTech 2026 is likely to provide new opportunities for startups, investors, and technology partnerships while reinforcing the country's position as a leading innovation hub.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nice on Saturday night, where members of the Indian community gave him a warm reception. He is set to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron later today.

Warm welcome in Nice

PM Modi landed in the southern French city late evening, and was received at his hotel by a large gathering of Indian-origin residents. Women touched his hands to their foreheads in a traditional gesture of respect, while the Prime Minister picked up a young child affectionately. A cultural programme was also organised at the hotel.

According to local authorities, around 1,500 community members had gathered outside the venue. Many had travelled from other parts of France to attend the reception.

Bilateral talks today

The Prime Minister will meet President Macron on the afternoon of June 14. The two leaders are expected to inaugurate the ‘India Innovates’ programme together. Official sources said the discussions will cover defence, technology, and strategic partnerships.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that India and France are likely to sign around 12 agreements. These span high-tech sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, health technology, space technology, and innovation.

Rafale deal in focus

A significant part of the conversation will revolve around the proposed deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets. India has sought flexibility to integrate its own indigenous weapons into the aircraft. To enable this, New Delhi intends to raise the issue of source code sharing during the talks.

The deal has not yet received clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security. Officials clarified that a final decision will only be taken after the Prime Minister’s visit concludes.

G7 summit and Trump meeting

PM Modi is on a six-day tour of France and Slovakia from June 13 to 18. This is his seventh visit to France as Prime Minister. From June 16 to 17, he will attend the G7 Summit in Evian. On June 18, he will join President Macron at the VivaTech conference in Paris.

During the G7 Summit, Modi is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump. The two leaders will meet after 16 months – they last held talks in Washington in February 2025. Modi had participated in the G7 Summit in Canada last year, but Trump left midway, preventing a meeting at that time.

First PM visit to Slovakia

On the evening of June 14, the Prime Minister will travel from France to Slovakia. He will remain there until June 15. During this period, he will meet Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia became an independent nation in 1993.

France, India strategic ties

According to a 2025 report by French newspaper Le Monde, France stood by India after the Pokhran nuclear tests when major world powers imposed sanctions. Ignoring American restrictions, Paris continued weapons sales, making France India’s second-largest defence supplier after Russia. India has received Mirage 2000 jets, Rafale fighters, and Scorpene submarines from France.

On international platforms, France has consistently supported India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. President Macron had accepted India’s invitation as Republic Day chief guest in 2024 after US President Joe Biden declined.

Hormuz alliance possibility

During this visit, a decision may also be taken on India joining the Hormuz defence alliance. India had participated in Paris talks led by Britain in April. Officials said New Delhi favours a multilateral security arrangement under UN rules rather than any single-country initiative.

PM Modi Arrives in Norway for Historic First Visit by Indian Prime Minister in 43 Years

Modi meets Norwegian counterpart Støre ahead of third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Oslo on Monday afternoon, marking the first visit by an Indian head of government to Norway in more than four decades. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre received him at the airport, with officials describing the moment as a significant step in bilateral relations.

The last such visit by an Indian Prime Minister took place in 1983.

Warm Welcome at Oslo Airport

Modi, dressed in a dark blue bandhgala, was greeted by Støre on the tarmac. The two leaders shook hands briefly before heading into discussions. In a social media post shortly after landing, Modi expressed gratitude for the reception.

"I have arrived in Norway. Thank you Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre for the warm welcome," he wrote. He added that the visit, the first in 43 years, would give "new momentum to India-Norway friendship."

Bilateral Talks and Royal Meeting

The two leaders held a bilateral meeting later in the evening. Official sources said the discussions covered trade, green energy, and maritime cooperation. Modi is also scheduled to meet King Harald V and Queen Sonja during the evening.

Photographs released by the Prime Minister's Office showed Modi and Støre seated across from each other, with delegations from both sides in attendance.

Diaspora Greets PM with Dance

Outside the hotel where Modi is staying, members of the Indian community gathered in large numbers. Some waved tricolours while others performed traditional dance routines.

Shilpi, a Kathak dancer from the diaspora, performed before the Prime Minister. "It was an honour to perform Kathak in front of PM Modi. I will never forget this experience," she said.

Modi later attended a cultural show, praising a Bharatanatyam performance and saying he was proud of the diaspora for "keeping India's culture alive."

Nordic Summit on Tuesday

The third India-Nordic Summit will take place in Oslo on May 19. Leaders from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland will join Modi and Støre. The first such summit was held in Stockholm in 2018, followed by Copenhagen in 2022.

Sources indicated that this year's agenda will focus on green energy, digitalisation, defence cooperation, climate change, and Arctic policy. The Nordic region has emerged as a key partner for India in clean technology and sustainable urban development.

Trade and Economic Ties

Bilateral trade between India and Norway stands at approximately $2.73 billion. Norway's sovereign wealth fund has invested nearly $28 billion in Indian markets. India's total trade with the entire Nordic region is estimated at around $19 billion.

The visit follows the India-EFTA trade agreement signed in March 2024, which granted Indian exports duty-free access to over 99 per cent of tariff lines in EFTA countries.

Part of Five-Nation Tour

Modi's Norway stop is the fourth leg of a five-country tour. He has already visited the UAE, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The final destination will be Italy.

Modi warns of “decade of crises”, urges global action during Hague address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world risks sliding into poverty if COVID, war and energy shocks persist.

The Hague — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday warned that the world is entering a “decade of crises” and urged collective global action to prevent large-scale reversals in development, during an address to the Indian community in The Hague as part of his Netherlands visit.

A stark opening

Speaking before a packed community event in the early afternoon, Mr Modi said the sequence of shocks — the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent wars and now an energy crisis — has created conditions that could push millions back into poverty if not checked. According to officials, he used the phrase “decade of disasters” to underscore the scale of the challenge.

He delivered the warning roughly three hours after landing in the Netherlands late Friday night and ahead of scheduled bilateral meetings with King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Dutch leaders. Local sources said the address lasted over 40 minutes and drew applause and chants from the diaspora.

Key policy points

Modi highlighted India's domestic achievements as part of his argument for resilience. He noted that India recorded more than 20 billion UPI transactions in a year and touted the country’s rapid startup growth, saying the nation now hosts over 200,000 startups and 125 unicorns. He also referred to advances in semiconductor manufacturing, saying work is underway on 12 plants, with two already producing chips.

“Chips will also be Made in India,” he said, according to an official readout, linking economic self-reliance to broader global stability.

Cultural outreach and community ties

The Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands as a “trusted bridge” for Indian businesses seeking entry into Europe and highlighted the Surinamese-Indian community’s role in preserving Indian culture. Around 200,000 people of Surinamese-Hindustani origin live in the Netherlands; many trace their roots to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal and speak Sarnami, a language linked to Bhojpuri and Awadhi.

Ground reports from The Hague described a warm reception: Dutch musicians performed a rendition based on raga Durga, Indian classical instruments were played, and cultural dances such as Kathak and Garba featured in the programme. A young Dutch-Indian presented the Prime Minister with a painting of the Ram Temple, attendees said.

Historic restitution announced

In another notable development during the visit, the Dutch government returned the 11th-century Anaimangalam copper plates — known in the Netherlands as the Leiden Plates — to India. Officials said the plates, thought to date from Raja Raja Chola I’s reign, contain inscriptions about land and tax grants to a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam and weigh about 30 kg in total. The return was described in New Delhi as an important cultural moment in bilateral ties.

Diplomacy and next steps

Mr Modi held talks with Dutch officials upon arrival and is slated for further discussions with Prime Minister Dick Schoof, focusing on supply chains, green energy cooperation and joint international projects. In his speech he described the Netherlands as a “natural gateway” for Indian firms entering Europe and compared India–Netherlands ties to a lotus and a tulip — rooted differently but growing strong when supported.

Local authorities confirmed the Prime Minister’s schedule includes a state-level reception and meetings on trade and technology. Sources familiar with the delegation said climate-resilient infrastructure and semiconductor cooperation will be priorities in formal talks.

Impact and public relevance

Analysts say Modi’s emphasis on the risk of global impoverishment frames India’s development push as not just national but globally stabilising. “The pitch is two-fold: showcase India’s resilience and mobilise partners to prevent a global backslide,” said a policy analyst in New Delhi who declined to be named. For diaspora audiences, the visit reinforced cultural connections at a time of wider geopolitical uncertainty.

What to watch

Observers will be watching for joint statements after Modi’s meetings with Dutch leadership and for any new agreements on energy, semiconductors or cultural restitution beyond the copper plates. Back in India, officials will closely monitor whether the visit yields concrete trade and technology commitments that can be translated into on-ground projects.

Centre Notifies OCI Rule Changes: Applications Go Fully Online

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing a fully digital framework for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration and related processes. The changes, published in the official gazette, mandate that all applications for OCI card registration and renunciation must now be submitted electronically through the designated portal.

Officials said the move aims to streamline procedures, reduce paperwork, and enhance administrative efficiency while maintaining stricter oversight on compliance. The amendments update the Citizenship Rules, 2009, and come into force immediately.

Shift to Digital OCI Applications

Under the revised rules, applicants seeking OCI status under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, will file Form XXVIII electronically on the portal ociservices.gov.in. The earlier requirement of submitting documents in duplicate has been removed. 

The government has also introduced the option of e-OCI documents alongside traditional physical OCI cards. Registered holders may now receive either a physical card or an electronic registration, with all records maintained digitally. This is expected to make the process smoother for the large Indian diaspora.

Sources familiar with the notification indicated that the digital shift will cut down processing delays and improve transparency. Applicants can track their submissions online, and renunciation processes have also been brought fully online.

No Dual Passports for Minors

A key clarification in the new rules addresses a long-standing area of confusion. No minor will be allowed to hold both an Indian passport and a foreign passport simultaneously. This provision seeks to eliminate ambiguities around dual citizenship, which India does not permit.

The rule reinforces that Indian citizenship and foreign citizenship cannot coexist for minors. Authorities confirmed that this measure brings greater clarity to family and legal matters involving children of Indian origin living abroad.

OCI as Privilege, Not Right

The Ministry has reiterated that OCI status is a privilege extended by the government, not an inherent right. OCI registration can be cancelled if a holder violates Indian laws. The amendments have tightened cancellation norms further.

If an OCI holder is sentenced to two years or more in prison, or is charge-sheeted in a case that carries a potential punishment of seven years or more, their registration may be cancelled. For e-OCI holders, the government can cancel the digital registration in its records without needing physical surrender of a card in all cases.

These provisions build on earlier efforts to ensure that OCI benefits are not misused.

Benefits and Limitations of OCI Status

OCI cardholders enjoy several facilities, including lifelong multiple-entry visas to India, exemption from certain registration requirements, and access to economic, educational, and professional opportunities on par with non-resident Indians in many areas.

However, they do not enjoy political rights. OCI holders cannot vote in elections or hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice-President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Courts, or Member of Parliament or State Legislatures.

The scheme, originally launched in 2005 through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, targets persons of Indian origin (PIOs) from most countries, excluding those linked to Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Background and Public Impact

The OCI scheme was introduced to allow members of the Indian diaspora to maintain strong ties with India without full citizenship. Over the years, it has benefited millions, facilitating travel, business, and cultural connections.

The latest changes come at a time when digital governance initiatives are being expanded across ministries. By making OCI services fully online, the government expects to handle the growing volume of applications more effectively, especially from second and subsequent generations of Indian-origin families abroad.

Many in the diaspora have welcomed the digital push, viewing it as a step towards easier access. At the same time, the stricter compliance measures and clarifications on minors and cancellations are seen as efforts to safeguard national interests.

Legal experts noted that while the online system should reduce bureaucratic hurdles, applicants will need to ensure accurate digital submissions and timely updates, such as passport details.

What Lies Ahead

The MHA has not specified any immediate transition period for existing holders, but the notification makes the online portal the primary route for new applications and services. Physical processes are being phased down progressively.

Diaspora associations are expected to disseminate information about the new requirements in the coming weeks. The government is likely to issue detailed guidelines and FAQs on the OCI portal to assist applicants.

As implementation begins, officials will monitor the rollout closely to address any initial teething issues with the digital platform. The changes reflect a broader policy of modernising citizenship-related services while upholding the principle that OCI remains a facilitative arrangement without equating to full citizenship.