G7 Summit

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his first foreign trip of his third term after attending the G7 Summit in Italy.
2. Modi held talks with world leaders such as British PM Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron.
3. His meeting with US President Joe Biden was a highlight of the diplomatic engagements in Italy.

New Delhi, June 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his first foreign trip of his third term on Friday, returning home after attending the G7 Summit in Italy.

Shortly after taking office, Modi engaged with several world leaders, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron.

However, his meeting with US President Joe Biden stood out as a significant diplomatic engagement.

“Had a very productive day at the G7 Summit in Apulia. Interacted with world leaders and discussed various subjects. Together, we aim to create impactful solutions that benefit the global community and create a better world for future generations. I thank the people and government of Italy for their warm hospitality,” PM Modi wrote on X on Saturday morning.

Amid tensions with Canada over the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year, PM Modi briefly met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Modi also had a separate interaction with Joe Biden, marking their first conversation since Washington’s allegations of an Indian link to a foiled plot to murder Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

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After meeting Biden, PM Modi wrote on X that India and the United States will continue to work together for the global good.

He acknowledged his meeting with Trudeau on social media, writing, “Met Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau at the G7 Summit.” Indo-Canadian ties have been strained since Trudeau alleged the “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing in British Columbia last year, accusations New Delhi has dismissed as “absurd” and “motivated.”

India has accused Canada of providing political space for anti-India elements. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra recently highlighted this ongoing issue. Trudeau’s office confirmed their brief interaction, with Trudeau congratulating Modi on his reelection and discussing bilateral relations.

During the summit, PM Modi stressed the importance of ending monopolies in technology, especially regarding artificial intelligence. He also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Modi’s invitation to the G7 summit underscores India’s growing importance in the West’s strategy to counter China’s influence.

Besides India, the summit hosts had invited leaders from 11 developing countries, including those from the Indo-Pacific region.