Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni captured widespread attention by greeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with a ‘Namaste’ at the G7 Summit in Italy. This traditional Indian greeting, signifying respect and mutual recognition, underscored the solidarity among world leaders. The video quickly gained popularity online, with netizens applauding Meloni’s embrace of the gesture.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Italy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his first international trip after securing a third term, attending the G7 Summit’s outreach session and engaging in bilateral talks with various leaders. Modi highlighted India’s focus on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean during the summit. He also noted the strengthened bilateral relationship with Italy, attributing this to Prime Minister Meloni’s visits to India the previous year. Discussions between Modi and Meloni aim to further enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions.
Key Focus Areas of the G7 Summit
The G7 Summit, held from June 13 to 15 at Borgo Egnazia in Apulia, Italy, included leaders from the US, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Japan. The summit’s agenda prioritised economic growth, environmental concerns, and international security, with particular focus on the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza. The Italian presidency emphasised defending the rules-based international system, stating that Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has destabilised global security.
Expanded Participation and Historical Context
Since its inception, the G7 expanded to include Russia in 1997, forming the G8, but suspended Russia in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea. This year, Italy invited leaders from 11 developing countries across Africa, South America, and the Indo-Pacific region to participate. Although not a G7 member, the European Union also took part in the summit. The event provided a crucial platform for international dialogue, addressing pressing global challenges and fostering collaborative solutions.
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