PM Modi Thanks Italian PM Meloni for G7 Summit Invite, Discusses Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday, during which he expressed appreciation for the invitation to attend the G7 Summit Outreach Sessions in Puglia, Italy in June 2024. PM Modi also extended greetings to PM Meloni and the people of Italy on the occasion of Italy's 79th anniversary of Liberation Day.

During the call, the two leaders discussed advancing the important outcomes from India's G20 Presidency, especially those supporting the Global South, at the upcoming G7 Summit under Italy's Presidency. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership between India and Italy.

PM Modi and PM Meloni exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The engagement between the two leaders highlights the growing strategic and diplomatic exchanges between India and Italy.

Why this matters: The forthcoming G7 Summit is expected to provide a platform for productive dialogues and collaborations among participating nations, including India, to address shared challenges and promote international peace and prosperity.

The invitation to the G7 Summit Outreach Sessions comes after PM Modi had previously met PM Meloni on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in December 2023 and the G20 Summit in New Delhi last year, where they discussed strengthening bilateral ties and India's G20 Presidency. "The leaders discussed taking forward the important outcomes from India's G20 Presidency, especially those supporting the Global South, at the G7 Summit under Italy's Presidency," according to the telephone conversation readout.

Italy assumed the Presidency of the G7 on January 1, 2024, which will last until December 31, 2024. The G7 Summit will be held in Italy's Apulia region on June 13-15, 2024, after the results of India's Lok Sabha elections. The details of India's participation are currently under consideration.

Key Takeaways

• PM Modi had a phone call with Italian PM Meloni, thanking her for G7 Summit invite.
• Leaders discussed advancing outcomes from India's G20 Presidency at upcoming G7 Summit.
• India invited to attend G7 Summit Outreach Sessions in Puglia, Italy in June 2024.
• Italy assumed G7 Presidency on Jan 1, 2024; G7 Summit to be held on June 13-15, 2024.
• Engagement highlights growing strategic and diplomatic ties between India and Italy.