(Image source from: x.com/PMOIndia)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Apulia, southern Italy, to attend the G7 Summit's Outreach session and engage in bilateral talks on various issues with world leaders. During his one-day visit, PM Modi will participate in a summit session on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, and Africa-Mediterranean, hosted by Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and joined by Pope Francis. The Pope is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with PM Modi, who has scheduled a series of meetings with other world leaders on the sidelines of the summit, which is taking place at the luxurious resort of Borgo Egnazia. In a departure statement on Thursday evening, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to meet fellow world leaders and discuss a wide range of issues aimed at making the planet better and improving people's lives. He also mentioned that he is "glad" that his first foreign visit in his third consecutive term as Prime Minister is to Italy for the G7 Summit, and he warmly recalls his visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. PM Modi further noted that Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year were instrumental in strengthening the depth and momentum of the bilateral agenda between the two countries.
As India's prime minister, I eagerly anticipate strengthening our strategic partnership and bolstering cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions. During the Outreach session discussions, we will focus on crucial topics like artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. This will allow us to harmonize the outcomes of the G20 Summit, held under India's leadership, with the upcoming G7 Summit, addressing issues vital for the Global South. I also look forward to meeting the other esteemed leaders participating in this important gathering. Italy's Prime Minister, Georgia Meloni, will warmly welcome me as the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy on Friday. This follows India's hosting of the G20 Summit in New Delhi last September, which was attended by the world leaders now gathering for the Apulia meeting under Italy's presidency. The decision to host the summit in Apulia, a region in southern Italy, is a deliberate move to demonstrate the G7's intention to enhance its engagement and communication with the countries of the Global South. As Meloni expressed in her opening remarks, this location was chosen specifically to convey the message that the Italian presidency of the G7 is committed to fostering a stronger dialogue and partnership with the nations that make up the Global South.
Glimpses from PM @narendramodi's arrival in Italy, where he will take part in the G7 Summit. pic.twitter.com/2eLFkoDQSW
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 14, 2024
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is expected to dominate the discussions as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joins the meeting on Thursday. While India has reiterated its stance of favoring "dialogue and diplomacy" as the best approach, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is leading calls for "decisive" actions to support Ukraine "whatever it takes". Sunak announced up to GBP 242 million in bilateral aid to Ukraine, aiming to address the country's immediate humanitarian, energy, and stabilization needs, as well as to lay the groundwork for long-term economic and social recovery and reconstruction. In a pre-visit briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra recalled PM Modi's statement from September 2022, which emphasized that "today's era is not of war". Kwatra stated that India has always been at the forefront in providing assistance to the Global South to alleviate challenges arising from the conflict, including humanitarian aid to Ukraine and other affected regions. He further noted that India will continue to share its perspective with world leaders during the summit. Nations from Africa, South America, and the Indo-Pacific area have been invited to attend the G7 Summit. These invited countries represent diverse regions, offering unique perspectives and insights that can contribute to the discussions and decisions made at the summit.
