G7 Summit: PM Modi receives warm welcome from French President Macron
Evian, June 16
French President Emmanuel Macron warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived to attend the Group of Seven Summit in France's Evian on Tuesday. PM Modi and Macron hugged and greeted each other as they met in Evian ahead of an outreach session which is also being attended by US President Donald Trump and other leaders of the grouping.
Upon arrival in Evian, PM Modi stated that he looked forward to meeting world leaders and exchanging views on key global issues.
"Reached Evian, France for the G7 Summit. Looking forward to engaging with world leaders and exchanging views on key global issues. India remains committed to advancing collective efforts for a more sustainable and prosperous planet", he wrote on X.
PM Modi travelled to Evian at the invitation of President Macron. This year marks India's 13th participation in the G7 and PM Modi's seventh consecutive attendance at the summit.
Earlier, PM Modi landed in Geneva, where Switzerland's President Guy Parmelin welcomed him at the airport.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, PM Modi and Parmelin exchanged warm greetings and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties.
"PM Narendra Modi landed in Geneva enroute to Evian to participate in the G7 Summit. He was received by President Guy Parmelin of Switzerland. Both leaders exchanged warm greetings and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen India-Switzerland partnership," Jaiswal posted on X.
During the summit, PM Modi will exchange views with the G7 leaders, and those from invited partner countries and international organisations, participating in the summit sessions on Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity; Reviving Balanced, Shared and Sustainable Economic Growth for all; and Ensuring a Safe, Rapid and Efficient Rollout of AI.
He will also hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
"India's regular participation at the G7 Summits reflects the increasing recognition of India's role and contributions in addressing global challenges relating to peace, security, development and environmental sustainability. Also at the G7, the international forums, including the G20 and the Voice of Global South Summit, India has consistently brought to the forefront the priorities, concerns and developmental aspirations of the Global South," Secretary (West), MEA, Sibi George, had said in a special briefing on PM Modi's visit to Slovakia and France.
"The G7 Summit under the French presidency has chosen some key priorities for the current year. In broad terms, these are reducing excessive macroeconomic imbalances and fostering shared growth, renewing international partnerships and development solidarity, strengthening the resilience of critical and mineral value chains, protecting minors online, settling major geopolitical crisis to work on the fight against organized crime and illicit flows, etc," he added.
After concluding his engagements in Evian, PM Modi will travel to Paris on Thursday for bilateral engagements and to attend the VivaTech Summit, Europe's largest technology and startup event. According to the MEA, PM Modi is also expected to address the members of the Indian community in Paris.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see India's growing role at the G7. From being absent for decades to now regular participation—this reflects how the world sees India as a key player. Hope Modi pushes for climate justice and digital inclusion for the Global South.
While the optics are nice, I hope substantive issues like trade imbalances, technology transfer, and vaccine equity get real attention. India can't just be a photo-op; we need concrete outcomes for our farmers and small businesses.
Modi's consistent attendance at the G7 is a testament to India's rising diplomatic weight. The handshake with Macron and the visit to VivaTech later show a focus on both diplomacy and innovation. Well played.
Love how PM Modi always keeps India's priorities front and centre—especially the Global South. From climate to AI, these summits are our chance to shape global rules. But let's also not forget to push for easier visas for students and professionals!
13th time India is at G7 and still no permanent seat? 🤔 I appreciate the engagement, but we need to demand structural reform. The hugging is good, but we need a seat at the high table, not just as a guest.
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