Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the concerns of Global South countries during his speech at the G7 Outreach event on Friday in Italy, saying that India has considered it its responsibility to put the priorities and concerns of countries of the Global South on the world stage.

Highlighting India’s role as a leader and advocate for these nations, PM Modi pointed to India’s presidency of the G20, during which the African Union was made a permanent member of the grouping. He also underscored the importance of international governance in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), a topic prominently addressed at the G20 Summit hosted by India last year.

A video shared by PM Modi shows glimpses of the highlights of his visit to Italy including his arrival in Italy to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni’s welcome at the venue of the G7 Summit in Apulia city in Italy.Meloni greeted PM Modi with a ’namaste’ and the two leaders then posed for a picture for the cameras.

The video showed moments from PM Modi’s bilateral meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

In the video, PM Modi can be seen interacting with Pope Francis and they held talks while walking together. PM Modi also interacted with other world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.He also held talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as they met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.The video also included the moment of PM Meloni clicking a selfie with PM Modi.

PM Modi attends the Outreach session on AI, Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean

PM Modi addressed the Outreach Session on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean at the G7 Summit and elaborated on India’s energy transition pathway noting that its approach was based on availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability. He mentioned that India was working towards achieving the target of NET ZERO by 2070. Alluding to India’s Mission LiFE [Lifestyle for Environment], he called upon the global community to join the tree plantation campaign launched by him on World Environment Day – “Plant4Mother”

Prime Minister also called for giving priority to the concerns of the Global South, in particular Africa. He recalled that it was a matter of honour for India that the AU was admitted as a permanent member of the G20 under its presidency.

Talking of India’s AI Mission premised on “AI for All”, PM Modi emphasised that this technology should be aimed at fostering progress and well-being of all. He also underlined that with this broader objective in mind, India was fostering international collaboration as a founding member of Global Partnership for AI.

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

At the end of the three-day G7 Summit held in Apulia, Italy, the Group of Seven nations committed to promoting key infrastructure projects, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). This commitment was outlined in the G7 Summit Communique, issued on Friday evening after the customary “family photo” session.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the summit, witnessed the G7’s reaffirmation of their dedication to a “free and open Indo-Pacific” based on the rule of law. The communique reflects the G7’s focus on fostering connectivity and economic growth through initiatives like IMEC and ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Modi and his Italian counterpart reviewed the progress of the bilateral strategic partnership and agreed to strengthen cooperation in global fora and multilateral initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

PM Modi, Justin Trudeau brief talk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a brief conversation with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau amid strain in bilateral ties over the case relating to the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Modi also held a separate conversation with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the summit of G7 advanced economies in Italy’s Apulia region. “It’s always a pleasure to meet @POTUS @JoeBiden. India and USA will keep working together to further global good,” Modi posted on X. “Met Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau at the G7 Summit,” Modi said on ‘X’.

Both Modi and Trudeau were seen warmly greeting each other during the encounter.

Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” campaign

PM Modi highlighted the “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” campaign aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and making the planet more habitable for future generations.“As far as energy is concerned, India’s approach is based on availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability. We are working to fulfil our CoP commitments before the designated period.

India is working to usher in a Green Era, based on the principles of Mission LiFE. Also highlighted the campaign “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” to make our planet more sustainable,” PM Modi stated in a post on X. After concluding his visit to Italy, PM Modi in a post on X stated, “Had a very productive day at the G7 Summit in Apulia. Interacted with world leaders and discussed various subjects. Together, we aim to create impactful solutions that benefit the global community and create a better world for future generations.” “I thank the people and government of Italy for their warm hospitality,” he added.

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PM Modi meets world leaders at G7 Summit, puts concerns of Global South: Top 10 points