Prime Minister Narendra Modi has touched down in Italy's Apulia region to attend the G7 Summit's Outreach Session on Friday. During this brief visit, he will engage in multiple bilateral discussions with global leaders. "Arrived in Italy for the G7 Summit. Eager to engage in meaningful discussions with world leaders. Together, we aim to tackle global challenges and enhance international cooperation for a better future," Modi shared on X.
Modi's arrival at Brindisi Airport was confirmed by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who conveyed the news in a video message from the airport.
According to the MEA spokesperson, the visit's agenda includes participating in the outreach session and conducting several bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines.
Sources indicate that Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before attending the outreach session, which will primarily address topics such as artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
Subsequently, Modi is expected to converse with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italy's Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Although there may be an informal interaction during the official photo-op, there is no planned bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.
Meanwhile, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan mentioned to reporters en route to Brindisi that US President Joe Biden and PM Modi will have an opportunity to meet during the G7 session.
"President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Modi over the phone while we were in Paris to congratulate him on his election victory and his third term as Prime Minister," Sullivan noted.
"He expects to see Prime Minister Modi here. While it's up to the Indian delegation to confirm his attendance formally, we anticipate that they will have the chance to meet. The specifics of this encounter remain flexible as the schedule is still being finalized," the US NSA added.
This trip marks Prime Minister Modi's first international visit since beginning his third term, and it will be his fifth consecutive attendance at the Summit. Additionally, this will be the 11th instance of India participating in the G7 Summit.
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