On the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy's Apulia region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This is PM Modi’s first foreign trip after assuming office for the third time this month.
Modi held bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy amid the raging Russia-Ukraine war. India has always maintained a stand that the conflict in Ukraine must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Reportedly, Zelenskyy had briefed Modi on various aspects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Had a very productive meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India is eager to further cement bilateral relations with Ukraine. Regarding the ongoing hostilities, reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way to peace is through… pic.twitter.com/XOKA0AHYGs
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2024
Earlier, Modi had met Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May last year as well.
During his meeting with Sunak, PM Modi reiterated his commitment to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the third term of the NDA government. "The two leaders took stock of bilateral relations in areas of defence and security, trade and economic collaboration, critical and high technology sectors and people to people connect. They discussed implementation of Roadmap 2030 and progress made in ongoing FTA negotiations," said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
Also, PM Modi discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership including defence, nuclear, and space with Macron. Both leaders exchanged views on key global and regional issues.
"Taking Strategic Partnership to new levels! PM @narendramodi met President @EmmanuelMacron of France on the sidelines of the 50th G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy," said Jaiswal.
Advancing India-France partnership!
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 14, 2024
PM @narendramodi and French President @EmmanuelMacron held a bilateral meeting in Italy on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. They discussed a wide range of issues, like increasing partnership in key areas like defence, AI, critical tech and… pic.twitter.com/w09PgGyFmi
"The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the 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," he wrote.
The summit is being held at Borgo Egnazia resort in Italy. Modi is attending the 50th G7 summit at the invitation of Italian President Georgia Meloni. He will be addressing an Outreach session on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean alongside leaders of other invited countries and Pope Francis.
On the final day of the G7 summit, the members vowed to tackle the "unfair" business practices by China that are undermining their workers and industries. The G7 also warned of action against Chinese financial institutions that helped Russia obtain weaponry for its war against Ukraine. The G7 leaders also discussed the issues of migration, seeking ways to combat trafficking and increase investment in countries from where migrations begin.
The draft statement stressed the G7 was not trying to harm China or thwart its economic development but would "continue to take actions to protect our businesses from unfair practices, to level the playing field and remedy ongoing harm."
On the first day of the G7 summit, nations agreed on a deal to provide $50 billion of loans for Ukraine backed by interests from frozen Russian assets. The United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and Britain - and the European Union (EU) are expected to contribute to the loan, with cash to reach Kyiv by the end of the year.
