Modi’s First Foreign Visit in Third Term to Be G7 Summit in Italy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to be sworn in for his third consecutive term on June 8 in New Delhi, is likely to embark on his first overseas trip to Italy shortly after the ceremony. The trip coincides with the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Rome on June 13 and 14, marking a significant diplomatic engagement early in his new term.

Swearing-In Ceremony: A Grand Event in New Delhi

The new government’s swearing-in ceremony on June 8 in New Delhi is set to be attended by leaders of South Asian nations, underscoring India’s prominent role in the region. The event will mark the beginning of Modi’s third term as Prime Minister, following a surprising election result that saw the ruling BJP party emerge as the winner, even though it lost out some key strongholds in states like Uttar Pradesh, with fewer seats in the Lok Sabha than the last term. 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first international leaders to congratulate Modi on his electoral win. She expressed her confidence in the enduring collaboration between Italy and India, highlighting the robust bond between the two nations. In his response, Modi thanked Meloni and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to deepening the strategic partnership with Italy.

G7 Summit: Modi’s First Overseas Engagement

Prime Minister Modi’s potential visit to Italy for the G7 Summit is not just a routine diplomatic engagement but a pivotal moment in his third term. The summit, scheduled for June 13 and 14 in Rome, will bring together leaders from the world’s major advanced economies. Modi’s participation would signify India’s growing influence on the global stage and its critical role in addressing international issues, a fact that should not be underestimated.

Meloni’s invitation to Modi for the G7 Summit reflects Italy’s recognition of India’s significance in global affairs. The summit’s agenda is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including economic cooperation, climate change, and geopolitical stability, areas where India’s voice and leadership are increasingly influential.

Uncertainty Over Attendance at the Ukraine Peace Summit

In addition to the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Modi has been invited to the ‘Summit of Peace in Ukraine,’ scheduled for June 15 and 16 in Burgenstock, Switzerland. The summit aims to bring world leaders together to forge a path toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. However, Modi’s attendance remains uncertain, a decision that is not taken lightly, especially since Russia has not been invited to the event, adding to the diplomatic complexities.

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs has emphasised the importance of global cooperation in achieving peace in Ukraine, but official confirmation from India regarding Modi’s participation is still pending. During a weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned that an official announcement would be made closer to the event dates.

In his congratulatory message to Modi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged India to join the peace summit, highlighting India’s crucial role in global affairs. Zelenskyy’s message underscores the international community’s expectation for India to play a significant part in resolving the ongoing conflict. However, Modi’s response, while advocating for peace, did not confirm his attendance at the summit.

Diplomatic Pressures and Strategic Decisions

The decision on whether Modi will attend the Ukraine peace summit is compounded by the diplomatic nuances of India’s relationships with Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s visit to New Delhi in March, where he pressed for India’s participation in the summit, further highlights the diplomatic pressures and expectations on India.

Prime Minister Modi’s new term begins with critical international engagements that will shape India’s foreign policy and its role on the global stage. His potential visit to Italy for the G7 Summit and the decision regarding the Ukraine peace summit are pivotal moments that could define India’s foreign policy in the coming years.