Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday that India will prioritise energy, artificial intelligence, Africa, and the Mediterranean at the G7 summit outreach session in Italy. Modi emplaned for Italy in his first foreign trip after taking office for the third time as prime minister. In addition to attending the outreach session on Friday, he has appointments to have one-on-one meetings outside of the summit with several international leaders. A meeting between US President Joe Biden and Modi is possible. Modi said in his departure statement that the outreach session will also cover matters important to the Global South.
“At the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, I am travelling to Apulia region in Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach summit on June 14,” said Modi. The prime minister expressed satisfaction that his first visit in his third consecutive term would be to Italy for the G7 summit.
“During the discussions at the Outreach session, the focus would be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean,” said Modi. “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,” he stated.
Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Meloni. “Prime Minister Meloni’s two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda,” he said. “We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions,” he said.
The prime minister is likely to hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. “I am also looking forward to meeting other leaders participating in the Summit,” he said. The G7 comprises the US, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan. Italy is holding the current presidency of the G7 (Group of Seven) and is hosting the summit in that capacity.