Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on his first overseas visit after assuming office for the third consecutive term, traveling to Italy on Thursday to attend the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Puglia from June 13-15.
PM Modi will participate in the G7 Summit’s Outreach Sessions on Friday, at the invitation of Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni.
“The visit will provide PM Modi an opportunity to engage with other world leaders present at the G7 Summit on issues of importance to India, as well as to the Global South,” said Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.
This marks the 11th time India will take part in the G7 Summit and Prime Minister Modi’s fifth consecutive participation.
The outreach sessions, where PM Modi will join leaders of other invited countries, are expected to focus on topics such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
“India’s regular participation at the G7 Summit clearly points to increasing recognition and contribution of the efforts that India has been consistently making in trying to resolve global challenges, including those of peace, security, development, and environmental preservation,” said Kwatra.
Prime Minister Modi is also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with several leaders on the sidelines of the event.
Additionally, Foreign Secretary Kwatra stated that India will participate in the Ukraine ‘Peace Summit’ in Switzerland later this week.
“India will be participating in the Peace Summit at an appropriate level. That consideration is currently ongoing in the system, and as and when we have a decision on the representative from India who will be participating, we will be happy to share,” said Kwatra.
