Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy. This meeting aimed to bolster bilateral ties and exchange views on various global issues. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the summit, marking Modi’s first foreign trip after beginning his third term in office.
In their latest meeting, Modi and Macron discussed strengthening partnerships in several areas. These include defense, nuclear energy, space exploration, climate change initiatives, and educational exchanges. They also exchanged views on key global and regional issues, reflecting their commitment to addressing common challenges. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared details of the meeting on X, emphasizing the leaders’ dedication to taking their strategic partnership to new heights.
“Taking Strategic Partnership to new levels! PM @narendramodi met President @EmmanuelMacron of France on the sidelines of the 50th G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy. The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen partnership including in areas of defence, nuclear, space, education, climate action, digital public infrastructure, critical technologies, connectivity and culture. They also exchanged views on key global and regional issues,” Jaiswal stated on X.
The two leaders last met in January when Macron visited India for the 75th Republic Day celebrations. During that visit, they reaffirmed their shared vision for cooperation, outlined in the Horizon 2047 roadmap. This ambitious plan sets a course for the India-France relationship up to 2047, the centenary of India’s independence. Horizon 2047 aims to expand cooperation in areas such as defence, nuclear energy, space, climate action, and education, ensuring a robust partnership between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Apulia late Thursday night to attend the 50th G7 Summit, where India is invited as an outreach country. Besides meeting Macron, Modi is set to hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. These meetings are expected to further enhance India’s international relationships and collaborative efforts on global issues.
Upon his arrival at Brindisi Airport in Apulia, Modi was welcomed by India’s Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, and other officials. The G7 Summit, hosted at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort from June 13-15, is Modi’s fifth consecutive attendance, highlighting India’s growing influence on the global stage. The summit provides a platform for India to engage with the world’s leading economies and contribute to discussions on pressing global matters.
In his departure statement, Modi expressed his pleasure at making his first state visit of his third term to Italy for the G7 Summit. He also recalled his previous visit to Italy and Meloni’s visits to India, noting how these interactions have significantly strengthened bilateral ties. Modi’s participation underscores India’s commitment to engaging with global leaders and contributing to discussions on key international issues, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity.
India’s participation in the G7 Summit underscores the country’s commitment to engaging with global leaders and contributing to discussions on key international issues. As Modi continues to foster international cooperation, these meetings are crucial for addressing global challenges and advancing mutual interests.