Italy's PM Meloni Greets PM Modi With 'Namastey' At G7 Summit As India Joins As 'Outreach Nation'

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Group of Seven (G7) upon the arrival of the Outreach session countries and international organisations. PM Modi arrived in Italy's Apulia late Thursday night to attend the G7 Outreach Summit.

Meetings with Global Leaders

On the sidelines of the G7 Summit, PM Modi met President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. These meetings aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss various international issues.

In his departure statement, PM Modi expressed his happiness about his first state visit in his third consecutive term being to Italy for the G7 Summit. He recalled his previous visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021 and appreciated Prime Minister Meloni's visits to India last year, which have significantly enhanced bilateral relations.

"I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit. I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidating the India-Italy strategic partnership and bolstering cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," PM Modi said before leaving for Italy.

Randhir Jaiswal, MEA official spokesperson, provided an overview of PM Modi's visit. "We have several bilateral meetings with world leaders lined up," Jaiswal said in a video statement. He also mentioned that PM Modi would be addressing the outreach session of the G7 Summit.

The G7 summit is taking place at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort in Italy's Apulia region from June 13-15. PM Modi is attending the summit at the invitation of Italian PM Meloni. This marks India's 11th participation and PM Modi's fifth consecutive participation at the G7 Summit.