PM Narendra Modi on June 13 embarked on his first international trip after assuming office for a third consecutive term, traveling to Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit. In a departure statement, Prime Minister Modi expressed his pleasure that his initial state visit of his new term is to Italy for the G7 Summit. He fondly recalled his previous visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021 and highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visits to India last year, which have significantly strengthened bilateral ties.
“I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G7 Summit. I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni’s two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidating the India-Italy strategic partnership and bolstering cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions,” Modi said.
The Italian Prime Minister invited Modi for the G7 Outreach Summit, marking India’s 11th participation in the G7 Summit and Modi’s fifth consecutive attendance. On the sidelines, Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several leaders, including a meeting with his Italian counterpart.
Modi's departure statement emphasized the focus on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean during the Outreach session. He mentioned the opportunity to align the outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India’s presidency with the forthcoming G7 Summit and to deliberate on issues crucial for the Global South. Additionally, Modi held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy. Modi thanked Macron for his warm wishes on assuming office for the third consecutive term.
The two leaders reviewed India-France bilateral relations, focusing on the 'Horizon 2047' Roadmap and the Indo-Pacific Roadmap. Discussions included cooperation in defense, nuclear, space, education, climate action, digital public infrastructure, connectivity, and cultural initiatives such as the National Museum partnership. They agreed to intensify strategic defense cooperation with increased focus on ‘Make in India’.
Modi and Macron also agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, critical and emerging technologies, energy, and sports. They discussed working closely in the context of the forthcoming AI Summit and United Nations Oceans Conference, both to be hosted in France in 2025. The leaders exchanged views on key global and regional issues, emphasizing the importance of a strong and trusted strategic partnership between India and France for a stable and prosperous global order. Modi extended his best wishes to Macron for the forthcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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