A diplomatic firestorm has erupted between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following the recent G7 Summit in France. President Trump claimed in an interview that PM Meloni "begged" him for a photo-op, a statement Meloni vehemently denied as "completely fabricated." 


Trump-Meloni Spat Intesifies: Italy's FM Cancels His Planned Visit to Washington

French cybersecurity firm Viginum has accused Israeli firm Blackcore of interfering with the French local election, the New York Mayoral election and is also supposed to be active in Scotland, Angola and Togo. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, in a press conference along with Virginium chief Marc-Antoine Brillant, said that technical work led them to Blackcore and its alleged action worldwide. It targeted the hard-left pro-Palestinian France Unbowed Party (LFI) in the local elections with an online smear campaign. Viginum released a detailed report on the modus operandi of the "digital interference operations". However, it failed to uncover who commissioned Black Core to meddle in France.&nbsp;<h2>How did Blackcore target foreign elections?</h2>The joint investigation by the Israeli media Haaretz and the French cybersecurity firm reveals that a multi-layered digital warfare toolkit was used by BlackCore to shape political outcomes. The report identifies that the Israeli firm Blackcore used networks of inauthentic, automated "bot" accounts on social media to carry out smear campaigns and shape political narratives. "Viginum identified the mobilisation of at least 256 accounts that enabled the spread of 1,400 comments, mainly on posts from @JohnSwinney, @theSNP, and @ScotGovFM (respectively 652, 338 and 112 comments)." It amplified those smear campaigns by purchasing aggressive, highly targeted digital advertisements across major social media platforms.The firm reportedly used sophisticated, fraudulent online fronts, such as an organisation named "Sadaqah Palestine" to pose as a legitimate pro-Palestinian charity and tried to push authentic-looking updates on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to infiltrate pro-Palestinian spaces, to identify voter demographics, and harvest user data. When these accounts were tracked, they were found to be linked to Israeli companies hosted on Blackcore's server.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keir-starmer-russian-warning-shots-british-yacht-channel-incident-1781701228395">Keir Starmer calls Russian warning shots near British yacht 'deeply concerning'</a><h2>France asked for Israel's response</h2>The French government has Israel's explanations on BlackCore's actions, as well as help in figuring out who is behind the smear campaign. "I do not doubt for a single instant that if a French private ​group, from French soil moreover, had engaged in foreign digital interference in Israel, they would have done the same to its ambassador on site," said Lecornu. The Israeli embassy in Paris confirmed that France had reached out, but it is yet to carry out its own investigation on the allegations.It also targeted last year's New York Mayoral election won by Zohran Mamdani, who had been a vocal pro-Palestinian and Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, who had described Gaza as a "man-made humanitarian catastrophe" and said a genocide may be unfolding.According to Reuters, before erasing its online presence, Blackcore described itself as "an elite influence, ​cyber, and technology company built for the modern era of information warfare".

French cybersecurity agency Viginum has accused Israeli firm Blackcore of conducting digital interference campaigns targeting elections in France, Scotland, New York, Angola and Togo using bots, fake charities and online influence operations.

French cybersecurity firm Viginum has accused Israeli firm Blackcore of interfering with the French local election, the New York Mayoral election and is also supposed to be active in Scotland, Angola and Togo. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, in a press conference along with Virginium chief Marc-Antoine Brillant, said that technical work led them to Blackcore and its alleged action worldwide. It targeted the hard-left pro-Palestinian France Unbowed Party (LFI) in the local elections with an online smear campaign. Viginum released a detailed report on the modus operandi of the "digital interference operations". However, it failed to uncover who commissioned Black Core to meddle in France. How did Blackcore target foreign elections? The joint investigation by the Israeli media Haaretz and the French cybersecurity firm reveals that a multi-layered digital warfare toolkit was used by BlackCore to shape political outcomes. The report identifies that the Israeli firm Blackcore used networks of inauthentic, automated "bot" accounts on social media to carry out smear campaigns and shape political narratives. "Viginum identified the mobilisation of at least 256 accounts that enabled the spread of 1,400 comments, mainly on posts from @JohnSwinney, @theSNP, and @ScotGovFM (respectively 652, 338 and 112 comments)." It amplified those smear campaigns by purchasing aggressive, highly targeted digital advertisements across major social media platforms. The firm reportedly used sophisticated, fraudulent online fronts, such as an organisation named "Sadaqah Palestine" to pose as a legitimate pro-Palestinian charity and tried to push authentic-looking updates on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to infiltrate pro-Palestinian spaces, to identify voter demographics, and harvest user data. When these accounts were tracked, they were found to be linked to Israeli companies hosted on Blackcore's server. Also Read: Keir Starmer calls Russian warning shots near British yacht 'deeply concerning' France asked for Israel's response The French government has Israel's explanations on BlackCore's actions, as well as help in figuring out who is behind the smear campaign. "I do not doubt for a single instant that if a French private group, from French soil moreover, had engaged in foreign digital interference in Israel, they would have done the same to its ambassador on site," said Lecornu. The Israeli embassy in Paris confirmed that France had reached out, but it is yet to carry out its own investigation on the allegations. It also targeted last year's New York Mayoral election won by Zohran Mamdani, who had been a vocal pro-Palestinian and Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, who had described Gaza as a "man-made humanitarian catastrophe" and said a genocide may be unfolding. According to Reuters, before erasing its online presence, Blackcore described itself as "an elite influence, cyber, and technology company built for the modern era of information warfare".

French cybersecurity agency Viginum has accused Israeli firm Blackcore of conducting digital interference campaigns targeting elections in France, Scotland, New York, Angola and Togo using bots, fake charities and online influence operations.

Blackcore: How an Israeli influence operation allegedly targeted elections across multiple countries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Paris, highlighting India’s growing global presence and the strong bond between India and its overseas community. The interaction reflected the government’s continued focus on connecting with Indians abroad and strengthening cultural as well as economic ties with France and the wider world.


PM Modi In France: PM Modi Engages With Diaspora In France's Capital 

French President Emmanuel Macron surprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a heartfelt farewell message in Hindi, marking a warm and memorable end to their interaction in Paris. The unexpected gesture highlighted the growing personal rapport between the two leaders and added an emotional touch to their diplomatic engagement. The moment has been widely appreciated as a symbol of strong India–France ties and mutual respect at the highest level.


India-France Ties: Macron Posts Hindi Farewell Video After Successful PM Modi Visit 

PM Modi In France: PM Modi Addresses Members Of Indian Diaspora In France

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris for the final leg of his two-nation tour after concluding engagements at the G7 Summit in Evian. At VivaTech, Europe's largest technology and startup event, India is participating as the official AI Country Partner, highlighting its growing influence in artificial intelligence and innovation. PM Modi is expected to engage with global technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers while also reiterating India's position on global issues, including its call for peace in Ukraine.


PM Modi In Paris: PM Modi Attends Europe's Largest Technology & Startup Event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris for the final leg of his two-nation tour after concluding engagements at the G7 Summit in Evian. At VivaTech, Europe's largest technology and startup event, India is participating as the official AI Country Partner, highlighting its growing influence in artificial intelligence and innovation. PM Modi is expected to engage with global technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers while also reiterating India's position on global issues, including its call for peace in Ukraine.

PM Modi In France: PM Modi Showcases India's AI Ambitions At Paris VivaTech Summit 

The G7 Summit wasn't just about diplomacy and global policy—it also delivered a series of viral hot mic moments that captured public attention. From French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussing bilateral meetings to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni jokingly reconciling with European Council President Antonio Costa, the summit offered rare glimpses into leaders' candid interactions. Even UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's light-hearted question to Meloni, "Did you sleep well?", became a talking point online.


G7 Summit 2026: G7 Hot Mic Moments Go Viral As Leaders Share Candid Exchanges

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Paris for the final leg of his international visit, with a packed schedule that includes bilateral meetings, a community event with the Indian diaspora, and participation in the prestigious VivaTech Summit. The visit highlights India's growing engagement with global partners in areas ranging from technology and innovation to strategic cooperation. PM Modi is expected to interact with world leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of the Indian community during his stay in the French capital.


PM Modi Arrives In Paris For Key Talks And VivaTech Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Paris for the final leg of his high-profile European tour. After concluding a series of productive sessions at the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains—where he championed the interests of the Global South and called for enhanced international financial resilience—PM Modi now turns his focus to the future of technology and innovation.

PM Modi Arrives in Paris After Concluding G7 Summit in Evian 

Fury has continued to mount in India over the US’s refusal to apologise for the deaths of Indian sailors killed in strikes in the strait of Hormuz, further straining relations between the two countries as their leaders meet at the G7 summit in France this week.

Last week, three Indian seafarers, who were working on board commercial oil tankers, were killed when the US launched missile strikes on the vessel as it sailed through the strait of Hormuz.

G7 Summit 2026: Trump Condoles Indian Sailors' Killing, Says India Plays a Big Role in Everything

#Gravitas A European defence giant has unveiled a new battle tank to bridge a growing capability gap in the French army.  The new platform comes as the joint French-German programme to build a next-generation tank continues to face major delays.


France's New Battle Tank 'Capint' Launched

The European Union’s top court has backed France’s decision to enforce strict age-verification rules on adult websites, marking a major step in regulating online content access. The ruling supports efforts to protect minors from exposure to pornography by requiring stronger digital identity checks. While supporters say the move is necessary for online safety, critics argue it raises privacy concerns and could reshape how internet platforms operate across Europe.


France Wins EU Backing For Strict Porn Site Age Verification Rules 

Donald Trump takes center stage at the G7 Summit as world leaders gather to address some of the biggest challenges facing the globe. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the summit is packed with high-stakes diplomacy. Trump is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key Middle Eastern leaders as discussions focus on security, trade, energy, and global stability. The summit could shape major international decisions in the weeks ahead.


G7 Summit '26: Leaders Gather For The High Stakes Summit In Evian-Les-Bains 

In this special economic segment called pitch & portfolio, a series where we analyse the beautiful game of football through the lens of global markets. We pit World Cup rivals against each other, but to see who wins the economic match. As France and Senegal prepare to face off on the World Cup stage, this is more than just a football clash.

Pitch & Portfolio: France vs Senegal | Who Is The Match Day Favourite

US President Donald Trump met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, in a meeting that drew global attention. The discussion comes amid reports from Trump claiming that an Iran agreement has been signed, adding a new layer of geopolitical significance to the summit. While officials have not released full details, the development has intensified focus on diplomatic negotiations and shifting dynamics among major world powers.


G7 Summit: Trump Meets Macron Soon After Arriving For G7 in France

In this special economic segment called pitch & portfolio, a series where we analyse the beautiful game of football through the lens of global markets. We pit World Cup rivals against each other, but to see who wins the economic match. As France and Senegal prepare to face off on the World Cup stage, this is more than just a football clash.


World Cup of Economies: France vs Senegal 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026, a landmark event celebrating the India-France Year of Innovation. Spread over three days, the initiative brings together 120 startups, more than 15 premier institutions, investors, researchers and industry leaders. Showcasing India's rapidly growing deep-tech ecosystem, the event aims to strengthen cross-border innovation, encourage investment partnerships and position Indian startups as global technology leaders.


PM Modi In France: India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership 

Bharat Innovates 2026: PM Modi Says India-France Ties Driven By Shared Interest, Vision 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in France for a crucial visit that includes a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and participation in the G7 Summit. The visit marks PM Modi's seventh official trip to France and highlights the growing India-France strategic partnership. From defence and technology to innovation and global cooperation, both leaders are expected to discuss ways to deepen ties as 2026 is celebrated as the India-France Year of Innovation.


Modi-Macron Meet 2026: India-France Partnership Enters New Era

Bharat Innovates 2026: India's Deep-Tech Cohort, Curated for the World 

Bharat Innovates 2026: India-France Innovation Partnership Takes Center Stage |

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026, a major platform showcasing India's growing startup and innovation ecosystem. The event brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and business leaders to explore new opportunities in technology, research and investment. PM Modi also interacted with entrepreneurs, highlighting India's ambition to become a global innovation hub and strengthen economic and technological cooperation with international partners.


Bharat Innovates 2026: PM Modi Says India Is Witnessing A Massive Startup Revolution

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron to inaugurate Bharat Innovates 2026, a major platform showcasing India's growing startup and innovation ecosystem. The event brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and business leaders to explore new opportunities in technology, research and investment. PM Modi also interacted with entrepreneurs, highlighting India's ambition to become a global innovation hub and strengthen economic and technological cooperation with international partners.

PM Modi At G7 | India: French Partners Use This Forum To Elevate Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron to inaugurate Bharat Innovates 2026, a major platform showcasing India's growing startup and innovation ecosystem. The event brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and business leaders to explore new opportunities in technology, research and investment. PM Modi also interacted with entrepreneurs, highlighting India's ambition to become a global innovation hub and strengthen economic and technological cooperation with international partners.


Bharat Innovates 2026: President Macron Speaks at the 'Bharat Innovates' Inauguration Event

Bharat Innovates 2026: PM Modi Interacts With Entrepreneurs And Venture Capitals

Bharat Innovates 2026: PM Modi & French President To Inaugurate Bharat Innovates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a key diplomatic visit to France and Slovakia ahead of the G7 Summit, where global leaders will gather to discuss major international issues. The visit includes high-level bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, while discussions around a possible Modi-Trump diplomatic reset are also gaining attention. The summit is expected to focus on global security, trade, and geopolitical tensions.


PM Modi in France: G7 Summit Could See PM Modi-Trump Diplomatic Reset

G-7 Summit 2026: French President Macron to Hold Bilateral Talks With PM Modi

India and France are exploring a possible sixth-generation fighter jet programme after Europe’s future fighter project hit turbulence. As the US, China and Russia race towards next-generation air power, India is looking beyond its fifth-generation AMCA and targeting the fighter jet of the future. Watch the video to know the details of this game changing fighter jet. 

India's Boldest Move in the Skies, Sixth-generation Fighter Jet: India Joins the Race 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of 7 summit, with ​trade, visas and energy cooperation set to be high on the agenda, an ‌Indian government source said.
The June 15 to 17 summit, in the French town of Evian-les-Bains, will bring together leaders from the world's major economies, including Trump, alongside other high-level delegations from countries including India.

Modi-Trump Meet Likely Next Week On The Sidelines of G7 Summit

france

France, News on France, stories on France, articles on France, France stories at Wion, France news, France latest news