G7 Summit: 'Glad my first visit in 3rd term is to Italy', says PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to attend the summit of the Group of Seven, known as G7, in Italy's Apulia region.

In his departure statement ahead of his visit, PM Modi said thathe was glad that his first foreign visit after assuming office for the third consecutive term was to Italy.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, I am travelling to the Apulia region in Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit on 14 June 2024. I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit," read the statement.

PM Modi is travelling to Italy's Apulia region to take part in the G7 Outreach Summit on June 14 at his Italian counterpart Meloni's invitation.

In the statement, he said that the G7 Outreach Summit would provide an opportunity to deliberate on critical issues for the Global South.

"It will be an opportunity to bring greater synergy between the outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India's Presidency and the forthcoming G7 Summit, and deliberate on issues which are crucial for the Global South," he said.

He further said that he was looking forward to meeting the other leaders who were participating in the 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 consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," he added.

The statement further highlighted that the discussions at the Outreach session will focus on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean.

Review of bilateral relations

PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni are expected to meet on the sidelines of the summit and review their bilateral relations to chart a course for future collaboration.

India's participation in the G7 has evolved over time and is reflecting its growing economic and geopolitical significance. While India is not a member of the G7, it has been invited to participate in several G7 summits as a guest country.

This is India's eleventh participation in a G7 summit and PM Modi's fifth consecutive attendance. On June 14, PM Modi will participate in the outreach session alongside other invited countries.

(With inputs from agencies)