Attending the G7 summit after being elected for the third term as Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi claimed his election victory as the victory of the democratic world. Fresh off a contentious re-election back home in India, Modi embarked on his first foreign journey to the picturesque Apulia region in Italy, where the G7 summit unfolded against a backdrop of global challenges and opportunities.
Though Modi won the election, it was not without controversy and contentious given the incidents of communal division, vitriol targeting the Muslim community, opposition leaders being incarcerated and questioned using central agencies, stifling of independent media and oppression of the Dalit and minority communities in the country.
Yet, PM Modi showed resilience in flaunting his electoral victory as a sign of the trust the people of India placed in him, even though his party could only form a coalition government that narrowly surpassed the parliamentary majority.
His speech during the outreach session emphasized India's robust electoral process, highlighting technological advancements that ensured transparency in counting millions of votes.
During the summit, Modi engaged in bilateral meetings and informal conversations with world leaders, showcasing India's diplomatic agility on the global stage. His encounters included brief exchanges with leaders such as UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
A notable interaction occurred with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, marking their first meeting since contentious allegations surfaced following a previous summit.
Beyond political diplomacy, Modi's visit included a poignant moment with Pope Francis, whom he greeted warmly ahead of the summit's proceedings. Modi expressed admiration for the Pontiff's humanitarian efforts and extended a longstanding invitation for him to visit India, highlighting the deepening ties between India and the Vatican.
The summit itself addressed critical global issues ranging from artificial intelligence to energy policies, with a special focus on Africa and the Mediterranean region. Modi participated actively in discussions surrounding these themes, positioning India as a proactive contributor to global innovation and sustainable development.
In addition to formal engagements, Modi's visit coincided with pivotal political developments for other world leaders. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the summit's host, invited Pope Francis for the first time, showcasing a diverse agenda that bridged political, religious, and social dimensions.
Modi's itinerary also included substantive meetings with key leaders facing electoral challenges in their respective countries. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, as well as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who faces a critical election that could reshape British politics. French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, both navigating domestic electoral pressures, engaged in discussions with Modi that underscored the complex interplay of international diplomacy and internal politics.
The Indian prime minister's return to New Delhi marked the conclusion of a whirlwind diplomatic tour that showcased India's expanding influence on the global stage. As Modi navigates domestic challenges and seizes international opportunities, his participation in the G7 summit underscored India's commitment to collaborative global leadership in an era defined by rapid technological advancements and shifting geopolitical landscapes.