PM Modi Concludes Italy Visit with G7 Summit Attendance and Key Bilaterals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently wrapped up his day-long trip to Italy, a visit marked by his participation in the G7 summit and numerous high-profile bilateral meetings. Among the leaders he engaged with were British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, and even Pope Francis. A highlight of his visit was addressing an Outreach session of the G7 summit in Italy's Apulia region, where he advocated for democratizing technology to foster an inclusive society.

During his address, Modi underscored the critical need to dismantle the monopoly in technology sectors, particularly emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping future societies. He proudly noted that India stands as one of the pioneering nations to have developed a national strategy on artificial intelligence, signaling its readiness to play a significant role in the global tech landscape.

The sidelines of the summit provided a platform for Modi to meet with several world leaders. Notably, his interaction with US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscored the importance of international dialogue. His meeting with French President Macron was particularly significant as it marked Modi's first official bilateral engagement since commencing his third term as Prime Minister.

Italy's invitation to leaders from 11 developing countries across Africa, South America, and the Indo-Pacific region to attend the G7 Summit was a strategic move to include diverse perspectives in discussions traditionally dominated by the world's most advanced economies. This inclusion aligns with Modi's call for a more inclusive approach to global challenges, especially in technology and AI.

The prime minister's visit not only highlighted India's growing influence on the global stage but also its commitment to leading conversations around technology's role in society. By advocating for an end to monopolies in technology, Modi positioned India as a forward-thinking nation ready to contribute significantly to global technological advancements.