As Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for potential re-election, plans for his first overseas trip are in motion, with Italy and Switzerland on the itinerary. If re-elected, he is likely to attend the G7 Summit in Italy, following a personal invitation from Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. The summit is scheduled for June 13 to 15.
Additionally, PM Modi has been invited to the ‘Summit of Peace in Ukraine’ in Switzerland, taking place from June 15 to 16. This summit aims to foster dialogue and understanding towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
While his attendance at these events is not confirmed, there’s speculation that he might participate. Official announcements are expected closer to the dates.
Last month PM Modi had a telephone conversation with Ms Georgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy. According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of External affairs (MEA) PM Modi thanked his Italian counterpart for the G7 Summit Outreach Sessions to be held in June in Puglia, Italy and also talked about taking forward the important outcomes from India’s G20 Presidency, especially that support the Global South, at the G7 Summit under Italy’s Presidency.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue to strengthen the bilateral Strategic partnership.
Agenda of G7 under Italy’s Presidency
The European nation’s push to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2025 will be the main topic for discussion at the upcoming G7 Summit. Rome aims to rally support from other G7 members for a common timeline for ending coal use.
The G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, with the EU also participating as a guest.
These diplomatic engagements could have significant implications for India’s foreign policy and its stance on global issues. As PM Modi navigates the complexities of international relations, his actions could shape India’s position on the world stage.
Meanwhile … Russia not attending Peace Summit in Switzerland
In a recent interview with Bosnian Serb television network ATV, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the diplomatic efforts surrounding it. He talked about Russia’s perspective on the conflict, highlighting its origins and objectives in launching the special military operation.
And the minister reiterated Russia’s stance that the conflict stemmed from the West’s support for the government coup in Kiev in 2014, which disregarded agreements brokered by France, Germany, and Poland. He underlined the importance of defending Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine, particularly in Crimea and the Donbass region, against discriminatory policies implemented by the Kiev regime.
About the upcoming Swiss conference, he said: “We will not participate in any events that promote Vladimir Zelensky’s peace formula in one way or another. This much has been clear to everyone for a long time. We are serious about being open to negotiations based on reality”.
Regarding diplomatic initiatives, Lavrov expressed scepticism towards Switzerland’s proposed conference, suggesting that it aligns with Ukrainian President Zelensky’s peace formula, which Russia rejects. He underscored Russia’s openness to negotiations based on reality, citing engagements with China, African states, and Brazil as examples of diplomatic efforts outside of Western frameworks.
Lavrov concluded by reiterating Russia’s objectives in the conflict, including demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, while criticizing Western portrayals of Russia’s willingness to negotiate.
