G7 summit: PM Modi meets Macron, Sunak, Zelensky on sidelines, discusses bilateral ties and global issues
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Italy on Friday (Jun 14) to attend the G7 Outreach Summit. This is PM Modi's first foreign trip after becoming prime minister for the third term. While boarding the plane on Thursday, he said India would focus on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa and the Mediterranean.
PM Modi meets Macron
PM Modi met French President Emmanuel Macronon the sidelines of the G7 summitand discussed ways to further bolster the bilateral ties and exchanged views on global issues.
Taking to his official X account, PM Modi said that he had an "excellent meeting" with Macron. "This is our fourth meeting in one year, indicating the priority we accord to strong India-French ties. Our talks covered numerous subjects such as defence, security, technology, AI, Blue Economy and more. We also discussed how to encourage innovation and research among the youth. I conveyed my best wishes to him on the hosting of the Paris Olympics, which begins next month," PM Modi wrote.
PM Modi's meeting with Sunak
PM Modi also met his British counterpart Rishi Sunak. On his X account, he wrote: It was a delight to meet PM @RishiSunak in Italy. I reiterated my commitment to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the third term of the NDA Government. There is great scope to deepen ties in sectors like semiconductors, technology and trade. We also talked about further cementing ties in the defence sector."
PM Modi meets Zelensky
PM Modi said that he had a very productive meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He added that India is eager to cement bilateral relations with Ukraine.
"Regarding the ongoing hostilities, reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy," the prime minister said.
Pope greets PM Modi
Pope Francis joined on Friday (June 14) the outreach session of the G7 leaders' summit in Borgo Egnazia, in the southern Italian region of Puglia, to lead discussions on artificial intelligence.
It is the first time in history that a pontiff has taken part in a meeting of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies, comprising Britain, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the United States and the European Union.
He greeted PM Modi and other leaders at the summit. PM Modi taking to X wrote, "Met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the
@G7 Summit. I admire his commitment to serve people and make our planet better. Also invited him to visit India."
(With inputs from agencies)