We remain committed to consolidating India-Italy strategic partnership: PM Modi

New Delhi, June 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India remains committed to consolidating the India-Italy strategic partnership.

PM in his departure statement, ahead of the G7 Outreach Summit in Italy, said, “At the invitation of Prime Minister H.E. Ms. Giorgia Meloni, I am travelling to the Apulia region in Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit on June 14.”

Reflecting on the significance of this visit, he continued, “I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G7 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 into our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidating the India-Italy strategic partnership and bolstering cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions.”

Outlining the agenda for the summit, he said, “During the discussions at the Outreach session, the focus will be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It will be an opportunity to bring greater synergy between the outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India’s Presidency and the forthcoming G7 Summit and deliberate on issues crucial for the Global South. I am also looking forward to meeting other leaders participating in the Summit.”

The Foreign Secretary, Vinay Kwatra, provided additional context, on Wednesday, noting, “Prime Minister Modi will be traveling to Apulia, Italy to participate in the 50th G7 Summit, scheduled for June 14, where India has been invited as an Outreach Country.

This visit holds significant importance as it will be his first overseas trip after assuming office in his third consecutive term. It also offers an opportunity to engage with other world leaders on issues important to India and the Global South. This will be India’s 11th participation in a G7 Summit and Prime Minister Modi’s fifth consecutive participation.”

Highlighting the focal points of the Outreach Session, Kwatra explained, “The session will concentrate on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It is an agenda where the G7 and Outreach Countries will share their perspectives. India’s regular participation in the G7 Summit underscores the increasing recognition of India’s efforts in addressing global challenges, including peace, security, development, and environmental preservation. This participation is particularly significant in light of India’s recent G20 presidency, where we played a leading role in building global consensus on several contentious issues. India has organized two sessions of the Voice of the Global South Summit, emphasizing the interests, priorities, and concerns of the Global South.”

Addressing the broader priorities of the G7 Summit under the Italian presidency, Kwatra stated, “The G7 has identified key priorities for this year, including the conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East, relationships with developing nations and emerging economies with a focus on Africa and the Indo-Pacific, migration, climate-energy linkages, food security, and artificial intelligence. The Prime Minister’s participation will provide a timely opportunity to follow up on the outcomes of the G20 Summit and discuss issues significant for the Global South.”

Regarding bilateral meetings on the summit’s sidelines, Kwatra mentioned, “The Prime Minister is also expected to hold discussions with G7 leaders, Outreach Countries, and international organizations. Italy, as the G7 presidency, has also invited Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, and international organizations, including the United Nations.”

On India-Italy relations, he added, “The Prime Minister is expected to meet with Prime Minister Meloni. The two leaders last met during the COP28 Summit in Abu Dhabi in December 2023. Our ties are strong and multi-dimensional, with recent visits enhancing our strategic partnership. Italy is India’s fourth-largest trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade at $15 billion. We have a large diaspora in Italy, and Italy is a partner in several global initiatives launched by India.”

Discussing the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Kwatra remarked, “The impact of the war on food, fuel, and fertilizer availability, and the disruptions to global supply chains and the economy, has been significant. India has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs and priorities of developing countries affected by the conflict. We have provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and countries in the Global South impacted by the conflict. At the G7 Summit, we will continue to share our perspective and underline the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.”