PM Modi to attend 50th G7 summit in Italy, first international trip since re-election
PM Modi and Italian counterpart Meloni
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to depart for Italy on Thursday (June 13) to attend the 50th G7 Summit, scheduled for June 13 and 14. He well also hold bilateral meeting with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni during his trip.The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal forum of Italy, Germany, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Japan and the US.
The visit will be PM Modi's first international trip in the wake of his third consecutive term in power after his NDA alliance secured a win in the country's 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The summit is due to be held in the city of Fasano in Apulia, Italy whereleaders of the seven member states, including European Council and European Commission Presidents will also mark their presence. The visit by the Indian prime minister comes as Meloni extended an invitation for participation.
During a special briefing on the upcoming visit, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Wednesday said, "At the invitation of Prime Minister of Italy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling to Apulia, Italy tomorrow to participate in the 50th G7 Summit which is to be held there on June 14 where India has been invited as an Outreach Country."
Kwatra also spoke on the importance the summit holds for India. He 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."
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.
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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.
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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.
"PM's participation in the G7 summit would also provide a timely opportunity to follow up outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India's presidency last year and deliberate on issues focused on the global south," Kwatrasaid.
(With inputs from agencies)