PM Modi Italy Visit: What's On Agenda For India As Prime Minister Set To Attend G7 Summit

PM Modi Italy Visit: Prime Minister will be embarking for Italy on Thursday (June 13) to attend an outreach session at this year's G7 summit. This will be PM Modi's first official overseas trip since assuming office for a third consecutive term. This will also be the 11th time that India will be taking part in the G7 Summit and PM Modi's fifth consecutive participation. India has been invited to the annual G7 summit as an outreach partner along with several other nations.

The summit, the 50th edition of the yearly G7 gatherings, is scheduled to span over three days -- June 13 to 15 -- in Fasano in Italy's Puglia (also known as Apulia) region. The G7 comprises the US, Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Britain. The European Union participates in all discussions and is represented by the presidents of both the European Council and the European Commission. The host country traditionally invites outside guests to join some of the sessions.

Italy has thrown open the doors and will this year welcome Pope Francis, the King of Jordan as well as the leaders of Ukraine, India, Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Algeria, Tunisia and Mauritania, which holds the presidency of the African Union.

In addition, the secretary-general of the United Nations and heads of the World Bank, the IMF, the African Development Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will be present.

G7 Summit 2024: What's On Agenda At Outreach Session?

- The outreach sessions, which will witness Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation on India's behalf, are expected to focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), energy, Africa and the Mediterranean region. Pope Francis will lead talks on AI.

- Addressing a special briefing on PM Modi's upcoming visit, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, "It will also afford him an opportunity to engage with other world leaders present at the G7 Summit on issues of importance to India as also to the Global South."

Modi-Meloni Meeting 

- During the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni. In the meeting, the two prime ministers are expected to review the entire gamut of India-Italy ties and give directions for next steps, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra informed.

- PM Modi is also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with several other world leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit, Kwatra said.

"The G7 points to increasing recognition and contribution of the efforts that India has been consistently making including those of peace, security, development and environment preservation," the Foreign Secretary added.

(With inputs from agencies)