New Delhi, June 13 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on his official visit to France and a state visit to Slovakia aimed at further deepening ties and strengthening partnerships with the European countries.

PM Modi is visiting France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron and Slovakia at the invitation of Robert Fico, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic.

In his departure statement, he highlighted how France occupies a special place in India's strategic vision.

"Earlier this year, President Macron visited India, and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. When I meet President Macron in Nice, we will review the progress made since February and chart the next steps in our coope...