Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders, including UK counterpart Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in southern Italy’s Apulia. The meetings aimed to address various global issues and strengthen international cooperation.
Ahead of the summit, Prime Minister Modi expressed his anticipation for discussions with fellow world leaders, emphasizing the importance of addressing a wide range of issues to enhance the well-being of people and the planet.
During the summit, G7 leaders agreed on a significant initiative to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. A new $50 billion loan for Ukraine, funded by profits from frozen Russian assets, was announced. US President Joe Biden highlighted the collective resolve of the G7 nations, sending a clear message of solidarity to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In addition to the Ukraine crisis, G7 leaders expressed support for a truce and hostage deal in the Hamas-Israel conflict in Gaza. President Biden noted that the main obstacle to progress was Hamas’s reluctance to agree to terms.
The summit’s agenda also included discussions on economic tensions between China and Western countries. On Friday, the focus will shift to China, with a visit from Pope Francis following sessions on Africa and the Middle East.
Italy, hosting the summit, extended invitations to African leaders and other global figures to participate in discussions on development and migration in Africa. Guests at the summit include leaders from Algeria, Kenya, Tunisia, Ukraine, Brazil, India, and Turkey.
With several G7 countries experiencing political transitions, there is added pressure on leaders to achieve tangible outcomes while current leadership remains in place. The engagement of Prime Minister Modi and other world leaders underscores the significance of international cooperation in addressing pressing global challenges.
