G7 Summit: PM Modi's bilateral meeting with Italian PM Meloni at 10:30 PM; Check his full schedule here

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to depart for Italy on Thursday to participate in the annual G7 summit of advanced economies. This summit, hosted by Italy in its Apulia region from June 13 to 15, will gather leaders from the world's leading industrial nations.

G7 Summit Agenda and Participants

The discussions at Borgo Egnazia resort are expected to centre on pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and developments in Gaza. Among the prominent leaders attending are US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will address the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted the summit's significance, stating, "We have always maintained that dialogue and diplomacy is the best option to resolve it."

G7 Key Focus Areas for PM Modi

PM Modi's participation will address several critical topics:

Africa, Climate Change, and Development: Discussions will prioritize these issues, crucial for India's development goals and the Global South.

Middle East and Ukraine Conflict: Leaders will explore solutions to these ongoing conflicts, focusing on diplomatic resolutions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Reflecting India's commitment to technology, AI's role and applications will be a significant agenda item.

G7 Modi's Schedule of Bilateral Talks and Outreach Sessions

During the summit, PM Modi will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for bilateral discussions, continuing their dialogue since Meloni's visit to India last year. "Their last meeting was at the COP28 Summit in Abu Dhabi in December 2023," mentioned Foreign Secretary Kwatra, emphasizing the strategic nature of their talks.

Modi will also participate in the Outreach Session on June 14, addressing themes like AI, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. Kwatra explained, "This summit will concentrate on Artificial Intelligence (AI), energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean, where G7 and outreach countries will share their perspectives."

Follow-up on G20 Outcomes and Global Engagement

PM Modi's attendance at the G7 Summit provides an opportunity to build on the outcomes of India's hosting of the G20 Summit last year. "PM's participation in the G7 summit provides a timely opportunity to follow up on the G20 Summit outcomes and discuss issues concerning the Global South," Kwatra stated.

India's consistent engagement in the G7 Summit reflects New Delhi's growing recognition for addressing global challenges. "On the sidelines of the G7 in Italy, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with G7 leaders, outreach countries, and international organizations," Kwatra added.

G7: India's Role and Outlook

This marks India's eleventh participation in the G7 summit and PM Modi's fifth consecutive attendance. The summit agenda encompasses a wide array of global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East dynamics, development partnerships, migration concerns, climate-energy linkages, food security, and AI.

India's active participation underscores its commitment to global cooperation and addressing international challenges effectively.