Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at the 50th G7 Summit in Italy marked a significant milestone in India’s international diplomacy. Held from June 13 to 14, the summit was an arena where global leaders convened to address pressing international issues, and Modi’s participation underscored India’s rising influence on the world stage. This summit, which saw India invited as an outreach country, was also PM Modi’s first foreign visit after taking oath for his third term, symbolizing a fresh chapter in India’s foreign policy under Modi 3.0.
Reaffirming Commitment to the Global South:
One of the most notable aspects of PM Modi’s presence at the G7 Summit was his unwavering advocacy for the Global South. During the outreach sessions, which covered topics such as artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean, Modi emphasized India’s commitment to the well-being of developing nations. This stance is rooted in India’s historical solidarity with the Global South, a relationship built on mutual support and shared development goals.
Modi’s focus on Africa, in particular, was significant. He highlighted the importance of the continent in global affairs and reiterated India’s resolve to foster closer ties with African nations. This is not merely diplomatic rhetoric but a strategic vision to position India as a leader among developing nations. By championing the priorities and concerns of the Global South, Modi is aiming to create a more balanced and equitable global order, where the voices of developing countries are heard and respected.
Strengthening Bilateral Relationships:
The G7 Summit also provided PM Modi with a platform to strengthen bilateral relationships with key global players. His series of meetings with world leaders showcased India’s multifaceted foreign policy approach and its efforts to forge strong partnerships across the globe.
France:
One of the significant bilateral engagements was with French President Emmanuel Macron. The discussions covered a wide array of topics including cooperation in artificial intelligence, critical and emerging technologies, energy, and sports. The commitment to work closely in the context of the forthcoming AI summit and United Nations Oceans Conference, both to be hosted by France in 2025, highlights a shared vision for future technological and environmental collaboration.
The deepening of India-France ties extends beyond these areas. Cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, space exploration, education, climate action, digital public infrastructure, connectivity, and cultural initiatives underscores a comprehensive partnership. The collaboration on these fronts is expected to yield substantial benefits, not only for the two nations but also for the broader international community.
Japan and Italy:
PM Modi’s meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni were also pivotal. These discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors, reinforcing the strategic importance of Japan and Italy as partners in India’s foreign policy.
Italy, as India’s fourth-largest trading partner in the European Union, holds a significant place in India’s economic strategy. Bilateral trade currently stands at USD 15 billion, and strengthening this relationship can lead to greater economic integration and mutual growth.
Navigating Complex Diplomacies:
PM Modi’s diplomatic acumen was on full display during his brief conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The backdrop of this interaction was the strained bilateral ties over the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Despite these tensions, Modi managed to navigate the conversation with a measured approach, reflecting his ability to handle complex diplomatic situations with tact and prudence.
Similarly, Modi’s separate meeting with US President Joe Biden reaffirmed the strong and resilient India-US partnership. This relationship is central to both countries’ strategic interests, encompassing defense, trade, technology, and regional security. The dialogue between Modi and Biden is expected to further solidify this partnership, aligning their efforts towards shared global objectives.
Advocating for Peace
A tandout moment from the summit was PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Modi reiterated India’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. This stance aligns with India’s historical advocacy for peace and non-alignment, further solidifying its role as a responsible global actor. Modi’s assurance to Zelenskyy that India will continue to facilitate a peaceful solution underscores India’s commitment to global peace and stability.
Building Global Connections:
Beyond these high-profile bilateral meetings, PM Modi’s interactions with leaders from Turkey, the UAE, Brazil, and Jordan highlighted his broader vision of fostering global cooperation. His “delightful conversation” with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reflects a commitment to building robust relationships across diverse regions.
Modi’s meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was another significant engagement. The interaction underscored India’s role in supporting the UN’s efforts to address global challenges, from climate change to sustainable development.
Cultural Diplomacy:
An often overlooked yet vital aspect of Modi’s diplomatic endeavors is his emphasis on cultural diplomacy. His meeting with Pope Francis during the summit was a testament to this approach. Modi expressed admiration for the Pope’s commitment to serving humanity and invited him to visit India. This invitation is not merely symbolic; it reflects Modi’s inclusive and expansive diplomatic vision, aiming to bridge cultural and religious divides.
A Productive Summit:
PM Modi’s participation in the G7 Summit was characterized by a series of strategic engagements, highlighting his proactive and visionary approach to global diplomacy. As he concluded his visit, describing it as “very productive,” Modi underscored the significance of these interactions in shaping a collaborative and forward-looking global order.
The outreach sessions and bilateral meetings demonstrated India’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for global good, fostering peace and stability, and advocating for the interests of the Global South. Modi’s emphasis on creating impactful solutions that benefit the global community reflects a pragmatic and hopeful vision for the future.
Modi 3.0 – A New Era for Bharat:
The G7 Summit marked the beginning of a new era for India under Modi 3.0. This phase of leadership is characterized by a more assertive and proactive foreign policy, aimed at positioning India as a key player on the global stage. Modi’s diplomatic engagements at the summit highlighted India’s potential to lead in areas such as technology, climate action, and international peace efforts.
As India navigates this new beginning, the emphasis will likely be on building stronger bilateral and multilateral relationships, advocating for equitable global development, and contributing to global peace and stability. Modi 3.0 promises a new beginning for Bharat, one where India is not just a participant but a leader in shaping the future of the global community.
