India will participate in the 52nd G7 Summit in France next week, marking its 13th appearance as a partner nation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's seventh consecutive participation in the grouping's annual summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
The summit will be held in Evian from June 15 to 17 under the presidency of Emmanuel Macron. Prime Minister Modi will visit France and Slovakia from June 13 to 18 at the invitation of the French President.
Briefing reporters, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said India’s participation reflects growing international recognition of its role in addressing global challenges related to peace, security, development and environmental sustainability.
He said the summit would provide an opportunity for Modi to engage with G7 leaders, representatives of partner countries and international organisations on issues important to India and the Global South.
According to the MEA, discussions during the outreach sessions on June 16 and 17 will focus on renewing international partnerships, strengthening development solidarity, promoting balanced and inclusive growth, and ensuring the safe and effective deployment of artificial intelligence.
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The French presidency has identified several priorities for this year's summit, including reducing macroeconomic imbalances, strengthening critical mineral supply chains, addressing major geopolitical crises and combating organised crime.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders and heads of international organisations.
Before attending the G7 meeting, the Prime Minister will travel to Nice on June 13 and 14 for bilateral talks with Macron. The two leaders will review the full spectrum of ties under the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership.
They will also jointly inaugurate the "Bharat Innovates" event, a platform bringing together startups and venture capitalists from India, France and other countries as part of the India-France Year of Innovation.
During his visit, Modi is also expected to participate in the VivaTech Summit in Paris, one of Europe's largest technology and startup events, highlighting India's growing role in innovation, entrepreneurship and digital transformation.
The final leg of the visit will include engagements in Paris on June 18, where the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet members of the Indian diaspora and hold additional bilateral meetings.
India has been regularly invited to the G7 outreach sessions in recent years, reflecting its increasing importance in global economic and strategic discussions.
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