Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of important bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the 52nd G7 Summit in Evian, France. His discussions focused on strengthening India's partnerships in areas such as trade, energy, innovation, education, investment and strategic cooperation. The meetings reflected India's continued efforts to deepen ties with countries across different regions and promote international collaboration.

One of the key meetings was with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The leaders discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, energy, innovation, education and people-to-people exchanges. The meeting took place in Evian-les-Bains in eastern France and came at a time when India and Canada are working to further improve bilateral relations after a period of diplomatic strain.

Sharing details of the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Both leaders reviewed the excellent progress made in bilateral engagement and discussed ways to build a stronger partnership driven by trade, energy, innovation, education and people-to-people exchanges.”

The discussions followed the positive momentum created during Prime Minister Carney's visit to India from February 27 to March 2. During that visit, India and Canada signed agreements related to uranium and critical mineral supplies. Both countries also agreed to work towards concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The two sides expressed their commitment to increasing cooperation in defence, critical technologies, small modular nuclear reactors, education and renewable energy.

Relations between India and Canada faced significant challenges in 2023 after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a possible Indian connection to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Ties between the two countries began improving after Mark Carney assumed office, with both governments taking steps to restore engagement and strengthen cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi also held bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The leaders reviewed the progress in India-UK relations and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation. Following the meeting, PM Modi highlighted the growing partnership between the two nations.

In a post on X, he said, “Had a wonderful meeting with PM Keir Starmer in Evian. The last year has been outstanding as far as India-UK relations are concerned. The trade deal has opened many avenues of economic cooperation. Today’s talks focused on how to add even more momentum to India-UK ties.”

Another important meeting took place with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions focused on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates. Both leaders reviewed progress in cooperation across several sectors and discussed ways to further expand bilateral engagement.

Apart from Canada, the United Kingdom and the UAE, Prime Minister Modi met several other world leaders during the summit. These included Kenyan President William Ruto, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The meetings highlighted India's focus on strengthening strategic partnerships with countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

During his meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto, PM Modi underlined the strong relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to the Global South. He said, “Glad to have met President William Ruto of Kenya. India and Kenya share a longstanding partnership anchored in the aspirations of the Global South. We remain committed to working together for the well-being of our people.”

The Prime Minister's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi focused on increasing economic cooperation. Trade and investment remained key areas of discussion as both countries looked to further strengthen their partnership.

Following the meeting, PM Modi said, “Had a great interaction with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan. India and Japan will continue to deepen ties in diverse sectors, with a priority on trade and investment.”

PM Modi also met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and reaffirmed the strong historical relationship between India and Egypt. Emphasising the long-standing friendship between the two nations, he said, “Met President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt on the sidelines of the Evian G7 Summit. India cherishes the long-standing friendship with Egypt.”

His discussions with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung focused on cooperation in trade, commerce and emerging sectors. Both leaders discussed opportunities for future collaboration and strengthening economic ties.

Speaking about the meeting, PM Modi wrote, “In Evian, had a very good conversation with the President of the Republic of Korea, Mr Lee Jae-myung. Just two months ago, had welcomed him to India. Our nations are working together in trade, commerce and many other futuristic sectors.”

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Outreach Session titled "Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity." In his address, he emphasised the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation in resolving conflicts around the world. He noted that global partnerships can be effective only when countries work together to address common challenges.

Referring to recent developments in West Asia, PM Modi welcomed progress in peace efforts. At the same time, he expressed concern about the humanitarian and economic consequences of ongoing conflicts in the region.

He said, “International partnerships and global solidarity can become meaningful only when we collectively address shared challenges. India firmly believes that the lasting resolution of tensions and conflicts in different parts of the world can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation.”

The series of meetings and discussions at the G7 Summit highlighted India's growing diplomatic engagement with major global partners. The interactions focused on expanding economic cooperation, strengthening strategic ties and addressing international challenges through collaboration. Through these engagements, India reaffirmed its commitment to building stronger partnerships and contributing to global stability and development.