Upon arrival at Brindisi Airport, PM Modi was received by India’s Ambassador to Italy Vani Rao, and other officials.This trip marks PM Modi’s first international visit since beginning his third consecutive term in office.
“PM @narendramodi touches down at Brindisi airport in Apulia, Italy. Agenda includes participation in the Outreach session of the G7 Summit & substantive interactions with the global leaders on the sidelines. An action-packed day awaits!” the official spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, posted on X.
The G7 summit is being held at the Borgo Egnazia resort in Apulia from June 13-15. PM Modi is attending the summit at the invitation of Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni.
PM Modi to address outreach session
PM Modi will address the outreach session at the summit today, focusing on AI, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. Foreign secretary Kwatra said, “This summit will concentrate on Artificial Intelligence (AI), energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean, where G7 and outreach countries will share their perspectives.”
Hectic schedule of bilateral meetings
PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Modi is also likely to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he previously met at last year’s G7 summit in Hiroshima.
In a departure statement, Modi expressed his satisfaction that his first state visit of his third term is to Italy for the G7 Summit. He recalled his previous visit to Italy and Meloni’s visits to India, noting that these interactions have significantly enhanced bilateral ties.
“We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions,” PM Modi had said.
This will be India’s 11th participation and PM Modi’s fifth consecutive participation at the G7 Summit. PM Modi is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart during the summit.
(With agency inputs)