Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Italy to participate in the annual G7 summit, a key gathering of the world's advanced economies. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted that Modi's involvement in the 2024 G7 summit provides an opportunity to build on the outcomes of the previous year's G20 summit hosted by India.
Summit Venue and Agenda
The G7 summit is being held at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort in Italy's Apulia region from June 13 to 15. The discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza.
Attending Leaders
The summit sees the participation of notable leaders, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also set to attend, addressing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "Dialogue and diplomacy are the best options to resolve it," Kwatra remarked regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Key Focus Areas
During the summit, PM Modi will address several crucial issues:
Africa, Climate Change, and Development: Discussions will highlight these vital areas, reflecting their importance to the Global South and India's development goals. Middle East and Ukraine Conflict: The ongoing conflicts in these regions will be a significant part of the agenda, with leaders seeking solutions to these geopolitical challenges.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI's applications and potential will be a central topic, underscoring India's growing focus on this technology. Global Challenges: Modi will collaborate with other leaders on pressing international issues, demonstrating India's commitment to global cooperation and problem-solving.
Bilateral Meetings with Italian PM
PM Modi will also hold talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, marking their second meeting following Meloni's visit to India in March 2023. "Their last meeting was at the COP28 Summit in Abu Dhabi in December 2023," noted Foreign Secretary Kwatra. These discussions aim to review bilateral ties and plan future collaborations.
Participation in Outreach Session
On June 14, Modi will participate in the Outreach Session, which will focus on AI, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. "This summit will concentrate on AI, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean, where G7 and outreach countries will share their perspectives," Kwatra said.
Following Up on G20 Outcomes
Modi's attendance at the G7 Summit will also enable him to follow up on the outcomes of the G20 Summit hosted by India 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," emphasized Kwatra.
Engaging with Global Leaders
The summit offers Modi a platform to engage with other world leaders on issues significant to India and the Global South. It also provides opportunities for bilateral meetings with G7 leaders and representatives of outreach countries and international organizations. "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.
India's Continued G7 Engagement
This marks India's eleventh participation in the G7 summit and Modi's fifth consecutive attendance. Italy, the G7 Chair this year, is hosting the summit, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the European Union. The G7 Summit's agenda includes the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East issues, relationships with developing nations, migration, climate energy linkages, food security, and Artificial Intelligence.
Foreign Secretary Kwatra highlighted that India's regular participation in the G7 summit signifies the increasing recognition of New Delhi's efforts to address global challenges.
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