G7: Energy, food security & terrorism on Modi’s agenda

NEW DELHI: Ahead of his visit to Germany for the G7 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he will exchange views with the leaders of the bloc and its partners on issues such as energy, food security, counter-terrorism, environment and democracy.

Modi is visiting Schloss Elmau in southern Germany on June 26 and 27 for the summit of the G7, a grouping of the world’s seven richest nations.

The G7 leaders are expected to focus on the Ukraine crisis that has triggered geopolitical turmoil besides fuelling a global food and energy crisis.

Modi is attending the G7 summit following an invitation by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The summit is being hosted by Germany in its capacity as the chair of G7.

“In an effort to strengthen international collaboration on important global issues impacting humanity, Germany has also invited other democracies such as Argentina, Indonesia, Senegal, and South Africa to the G7 Summit,” Modi said in a statement ahead of his visit.

“During the sessions of the Summit, I will be exchanging views with the G7 counties, G7 partner countries and guest International Organisations on topical issues such as environment, energy, climate, food security, health, counter-terrorism, gender equality and democracy,” he added.

Modi said he was looking forward to meeting leaders of some of the participating G7 and guest countries on the sidelines of the summit.

The PM said he was also looking forward to meeting Chancellor Scholz again after the “productive” India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) last month.

“While in Germany, I also look forward to meeting members of the Indian Diaspora from across Europe who are contributing immensely to their local economies as also enriching our relations with European countries,” he said. Modi leaves for Germany on Saturday night.

From Germany, Modi will travel to the UAE on June 28 to pay his condolences on the passing away of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former President of the Gulf nation.