PM Modi lands in Italy for G7 Summit, to meet several heads of states

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Brindisi Airport, Italy, on Friday (June 14)where he is set to take part in the G7 Outreach Summit.

On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

United States NSA Jake Sullivan said that their government is likely to discuss the foiled murder-for-hire plot against Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun with India.

He said that this will be “a continuing topic of dialogue between the US and India, including at very senior levels”.

After arriving in Italy, PM Modi wrote on X, "Landed in Italy to take part in the G7 Summit. Looking forward to engaging in productive discussions with world leaders. Together, we aim to address global challenges and foster international cooperation for a brighter future."

Meanwhile, taking to X, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "PM Narendra Modi touches down at Brindisi airport in Apulia, Italy. The agenda includes participation in the Outreach session of the G7 Summit & substantive interactions with the global leaders on the sidelines. An action-packed day awaits!"

During his visit to Italy, PM Modi is set to participate in a summit session titled Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa-Mediterranean which will be hosted by Italian Prime MinisterMeloni and joined by Pope Francis.

Pope Francis is also likely to hold bilateral talks with PM Modi. In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "I look forward to meeting fellow world leaders and discussing a wide range of issues aimed at making our planet better and improving lives of people."

He added that he was "glad" to make his first foreign visit to Italy for the G7 Summit at the start of his third consecutive term as the prime minister.

"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," read his statement.

"During the discussions at the Outreach session, the focus would be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. 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. I am also looking forward to meeting other leaders participating in the summit," Modi added.

Watch:Italy hosts G7 Summit: PM Modi & Italian PM Meloni to hold bilateral meeting

G7 to strengthen dialogue with Global South: Meloni

Italian PM Meloni, in her opening address, said that southern Italy is the venue of the summit to deliver a strong message to the Global South.

"It is no coincidence that we are hosting the summit in Apulia. We did this because Apulia is a region of southern Italy and the message we want to launch is that the G7, under the Italian presidency, wishes to strengthen its dialogue with the nations of the Global South," said PM Meloni.

Apart from India, Italy sentinvitations to the G7 Summit to 11 developing countries in Africa, South America and the Indo-Pacific region.

(With inputs from agencies)