Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, expressing gratitude for the esteemed invitation extended to India for the upcoming G7 summit. Scheduled to take place from June 13 to 15 in Italy, this summit holds immense importance on the global stage, marking a forum where leaders from the world's most influential economies convene to address pressing global challenges and foster collaborative solutions.
Italy's hosting of the G7 Summit in Apulia signifies a moment for international diplomacy, occurring shortly after the Lok Sabha elections in India. The G7, comprising Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, along with representation from the European Union, serves as a vital platform for discussing critical global issues ranging from economic policies to environmental sustainability.
Expressing Gratitude and Celebrating Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Modi, in his dialogue with PM Meloni, not only extended heartfelt greetings on Italy's Liberation Day but also conveyed sincere appreciation for the invitation to the G7 Summit. Through diplomatic channels, Modi expressed his commitment to advancing the outcomes of #G20India within the G7 framework, showcasing India's dedication to enhancing its strategic partnerships on a global scale.
Spoke with PM @GiorgiaMeloni and extended greetings as Italy celebrates its Liberation day today. Thanked her for the invite to the G7 Summit in June. Discussed taking forward #G20India outcomes at the G7. Reaffirmed commitment to deepening our Strategic Partnership.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2024
The Ministry of External Affairs also confirmed India's receipt of the invitation to the G7 summit, acknowledging the significance of this diplomatic gesture. While the invitation is under consideration, India remains committed to engaging constructively with the international community on matters of global importance. Further details regarding India's participation will be communicated as decisions are finalized.
Selfies and Diplomacy At COP28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi added a touch of camaraderie to the serious discussions at the COP28 Summit when he met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines. This diplomatic meeting, marked by mutual respect and shared aspirations, reflects the joint commitment of India and Italy towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
This informal interaction not only reflects the amicable relations between the leaders but also humanises their diplomatic roles, showcasing a rapport established during Meloni's visit to India for the G20 Summit earlier this year.
Adding a modern twist to diplomatic proceedings, Giorgia Meloni captured a momentous occasion with a selfie alongside PM Modi. The Italian premier, known for her warm diplomatic approach, shared the snapshot on her Instagram account, captioning it "Good friends at COP28 #Melodi." This unique blend of camaraderie and diplomacy epitomises the evolving nature of international relations.
Building Bridges: India-Italy Relations
G20 Summit Revisited
Giorgia Meloni, Italy's premier, had previously visited India in September for the G20 Summit. The discussions during this visit spanned crucial sectors such as trade, commerce, defence, and emerging technologies. Prime Minister Modi, in a social media post, affirmed the commitment of both nations to work together for global prosperity.
Raisina Dialogue 2023
Earlier in March, Meloni graced India as the chief guest at the 8th Raisina Dialogue 2023. The bilateral talks held at the Hyderabad House addressed key issues, further solidifying the amicable relationship between the leaders. Meloni acknowledging Modi's global leadership, remarked, "(PM Modi) is the most loved one of all (leaders) around the world."
India's Environmental Stewardship at COP28
'Green Credit Initiative' Launch
During the COP28 Summit, Prime Minister Modi took a significant step towards environmental stewardship by launching the 'Green Credit Initiative.' This initiative, focused on creating carbon sinks through people's participation, aligns with India's commitment to sustainable development. In his address, Modi emphasised the need to move away from a destructive mindset prioritising personal benefit and advocate for a more responsible approach to environmental conservation.
Proposal for COP33 in India
In a bold move, PM Modi proposed India as the host for COP33 in 2028. This proposition aligns with India's vision of taking a leadership role in addressing climate change.