NEW DELHI: In a show of unity and cultural respect, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni exchanged ‘Namaste’ greetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the G7 summit in Italy. The traditional Indian greeting, which symbolises respect and mutual recognition, was chosen to underline the unity among world leaders gathered at the summit.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for Italy on his first overseas trip since being re-elected for a third term. He will attend an outreach session on Friday and hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit. Highlighting India’s focus areas at the summit, PM Modi said, “India will focus on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean in the outreach session.”
Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Meloni. Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties, the Prime Minister said, “Prime Minister Meloni’s two visits to India last year helped add momentum and depth to the bilateral agenda. We remain committed to strengthening the India-Italy strategic partnership and enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions.”
The G7, which comprises the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan, is currently under the Italian presidency and will hold a summit in the upscale resort town of Borgo Egnazia in the Puglia region from June 13 to 15. The summit is expected to focus on promoting economic growth, tackling environmental challenges and strengthening international security, with particular attention to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Gaza conflict.
Italy, the country’s presidency, said, “Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is undermining the principles of the international system, destabilizing it and triggering multiple crises around the world,” and stressed the importance of safeguarding the rules-based international system. In addition, the G7 will discuss the Middle East conflict and its global impact.
The G7 became the G8 in 1997 with the addition of Russia, but Russia was suspended in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea. Following tradition, host Italy has invited leaders of 11 developing countries from Africa, South America and the Indo-Pacific region to attend the summit. The European Union is not a member of the G7 but takes part in the annual summit.
The summit is expected to be a key platform for international dialogue, with leaders holding discussions aimed at tackling some of the most pressing global challenges.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for Italy on his first overseas trip since being re-elected for a third term. He will attend an outreach session on Friday and hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit. Highlighting India’s focus areas at the summit, PM Modi said, “India will focus on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean in the outreach session.”
Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Meloni. Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties, the Prime Minister said, “Prime Minister Meloni’s two visits to India last year helped add momentum and depth to the bilateral agenda. We remain committed to strengthening the India-Italy strategic partnership and enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions.”
The G7, which comprises the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan, is currently under the Italian presidency and will hold a summit in the upscale resort town of Borgo Egnazia in the Puglia region from June 13 to 15. The summit is expected to focus on promoting economic growth, tackling environmental challenges and strengthening international security, with particular attention to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Gaza conflict.
Italy, the country’s presidency, said, “Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is undermining the principles of the international system, destabilizing it and triggering multiple crises around the world,” and stressed the importance of safeguarding the rules-based international system. In addition, the G7 will discuss the Middle East conflict and its global impact.
The G7 became the G8 in 1997 with the addition of Russia, but Russia was suspended in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea. Following tradition, host Italy has invited leaders of 11 developing countries from Africa, South America and the Indo-Pacific region to attend the summit. The European Union is not a member of the G7 but takes part in the annual summit.
The summit is expected to be a key platform for international dialogue, with leaders holding discussions aimed at tackling some of the most pressing global challenges.