G7 Summit Live Updates: Earlier on Day 2, PM Modi also held discussions with UK PM Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
PM Narendra Modi in Italy, G7 Summit Live Updates: Reiterating the concerns and priorities of the Global South countries which “are bearing brunt of global uncertainties and tensions”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the G7 Outreach event on Friday and said: “India has considered it its responsibility to put priorities and concerns of countries of the Global South on world stage.” He further highlighted India’s presidency of the G20, under which the African Union was made a permanent member of the grouping. During G20 Summit hosted by India last year, we stressed on importance of international governance in field of AI,” he added.
What did PM Modi do on Day 2 of summit? Modi, in the first foreign trip of his third term, arrived in Italy early on Friday to attend the outreach session — focusing on issues relating to artificial intelligence (AI), energy, Africa and the Mediterranean — at the 50th Group of Seven (G7) leaders’ summit. On the sidelines, he also held discussions with his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Hours before these meetings, Modi showcased the scale of Indian elections as “the biggest festival of democracy in the world”, and framed his “historic victory” as a “victory of democracy” and “victory of the entire democratic world”.
Here’s a recap of Day 1: The G7 leaders’ summit is being held in the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia in Italy’s Apulia region from June 13 to 15. The annual summit gathered representatives of Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (EU). The centrepiece of the opening day was a political agreement on an outline deal to provide $50 billion of loans for Ukraine using interest from Russian sovereign assets frozen after Moscow invaded its neighbour in 2022.
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G7 Summit Live Updates: While leaving from Italy, PM Modi said: ‘Together, we aim to create impactful solutions that benefit the global community’; Scroll for latest updates!
08:57 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Here’s how PM Modi’s meet with UK PM Rishi Sunak went
On Modi’s meeting with Sunak, the MEA said, “The two leaders reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthen bilateral relations… discussed the implementation of the Roadmap 2030 and expressed happiness on progress in all areas of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership including regular high level political consultations, defence and security, trade and economic collaboration, critical and high technology sectors and people-to-people ties.”
Modi said it was “a delight” to meet Sunak. “I reiterated my commitment to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the third term of the NDA Government. There is great scope to deepen ties in sectors like semiconductors, technology and trade. We also talked about further cementing ties in the defence sector.”
According to a statement from 10, Downing Street, the British Prime Minister’s office, “They discussed their mutual commitment to the security and prosperity of both countries and saluted the strength of the relationship.”
08:41 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Interaction between Modi and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau
On his meeting with Trudeau, it was a cryptic one line with a photograph of the two leaders shaking hands, “Met Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau at the G7 Summit,” Modi said in his post.
08:06 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Let’s recap Modi’s day at the G7 Summit’ Outreach
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Italy in the wee hours of Friday.
– Delivering his statement at the G7 Outreach Session on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and Mediterranean, attended by Biden and other G7 leaders, PM Modi pitched India as the voice of the Global South.
From his address:
- He said India has considered it “its responsibility to place the priorities and concerns of the countries of the Global South on the world stage”. Delhi had organised two Voice of Global South summits in 2023.
- And, in a forward-looking tone to the G7 leaders, he said, “Today’s meeting reflects deep convergence between the priorities of all countries. We will continue dialogue and cooperation with the G7 on all these issues.”
- On energy — another theme of the Outreach Session — Modi said India’s approach in the field of energy is also based on four principles: “availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability”.
– He also met US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in pull-aside meetings Friday on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy.
– He met G7 leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK PM Rishi Sunak, Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni among others on the margins of the Summit.
– He also met Pope Francis and invited him to India.
06:07 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi hails African Union’s permanent membership in G20 during India’s chairmanship
While addressing the G7 Summit in Italy, PM Narendra Modi hailed the G20 Summit held in India in September 2023. PM Modi mentioned the addition of the African Union as a permanent member of the Group of 20 in order to contribute to the social and economic upliftment of the African countries.
PM Modi said that “We are proud that the G-20, under India’s chairmanship, made the African Union a permanent member. India has been contributing to the economic and social development, stability and security of all African countries, and will continue to do so.”
05:41 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Rishi Sunak says ‘Putin will not outlast us’ as UK commits £3 billion in military aid to Ukraine
At the G7 Summit in Italy, UK PM Rishi Sunak addressed the members on the sidelines and said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not outlast the will of the Western nations supporting Ukraine. Sunak, in the statement added that, “Ukraine’s security is our security. We are in this for the long-term. Putin will not outlast us. The UK has committed £3 billion in military aid.” Furthermore, PM Sunak added that the UK is also putting pressure on the Kremlin via sanctions tactics.
05:26 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Joe Biden says ‘Democracies can deliver’ as G7 agrees to provide $50 billion additional aid to Ukraine
At the G7 Summit in Italy, US President Joe Biden ensured that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has the last laugh as the G7 reached an agreement that will provide Ukraine an additional $50 billion of aid using frozen Russian state assets. “We are putting our money to work for Ukraine, and giving another reminder to Putin that we are not backing down,” Biden said at a press conference.
04:43 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi offers best wishes to French President Macron for hosting upcoming Paris Olympics 2024
At the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy, PM Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with France President Emmanuel Macron. Both the leaders discussed a wide range of topics like increasing partnership in key areas of defence, AI, critical technology and space.
While mentioning about the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, PM Modi wished President Macron best wishes for hosting the mega sporting event which is scheduled to be held from July 26 to August 11.
04:19 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi holds bilateral talks with UK PM Rishi Sunak, enhancing India-UK cooperation
At the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy, PM Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with UK PM Rishi Sunak in order to bolster the India-UK cooperation. Both the leaders talked about India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, enhancing industrial cooperation in the defence sector, boosting trade and commerce, among others.
While India’s parliamentary election concluded on June 4 with PM Narendra Modi returning to helm the state of affairs for the third consecutive time, Britain is poised to witness a parliamentary election on July 4.
03:53 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi meets Ukraine President Zelenskyy, mentions dialogue and diplomacy amid Russian invasion
At the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy, PM Narendra Modi met Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and held “productive” talks. While the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, PM Modi talked about peace with President Zelenskyy and said that “Regarding the ongoing hostilities, reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy.”
03:17 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi invites Pope Francis to India, hugs him at G7 Summit
PM Narendra Modi, during his visit to Italy to attend the G7 Summit, met Pope Francis at the sidelines and hugged him as well. While praising the Pope’s commitment to serve people, PM Modi said, “I admire his commitment to serve people and make our planet better. Also invited him to visit India.”
02:54 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi concludes G7 Summit visit to Italy, emplanes for New Delhi
PM Narendra Modi left for New Delhi after concluding his day-long visit to Italy to attend the G7 Summit, where he held bilateral talks with several leaders including UK PM Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron and Pope Francis.
In his concluding remarks, PM Modi said on X “Had a very productive day at the G7 Summit in Apulia. Interacted with world leaders and discussed various subjects.” PM Modi thanked the people and the government of Italy for their “warm hospitality”. PM Modi further said that “Together, we aim to create impactful solutions that benefit the global community and create a better world for future generations.”
02:43 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi meets German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, recalls India-German Strategic Partnership
PM Narendra Modi met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy. While talking about the Indo-German partnership, PM Modi said that “The India-Germany Strategic Partnership can play a major role in furthering global growth which is inclusive and sustainable.” He further said his interaction with Chancellor Scholz was “very productive”.
02:12 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Prime Minister Modi meets Global leaders at summit sidelines
List of leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy:
1. French President, Emmanuel Macron
2. Ukraine President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy
3. UK PM, Rishi Sunak
4. German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz
5. Japanese PM, Fumio Kishida
6. Italian PM, Giorgia Meloni
7. Canadian PM, Justin Trudeau
8. US President, Joe Biden
9. King of Jordan, Abdullah bin Al Hussein
10. President of UAE, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
11. Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdo?an
12. Brazilian President, Lula da Silva
13. UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres
01:57 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: World leaders at ‘Outreach Nation’ session pose for group photo
Leaders from the world at the ‘Outreach Nation’ session of the G7 Summit posed for the family photo.
01:54 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: India and Italy forge new agreements
India’s summary of the meeting between the PM Modi and Meloni:
– Later this year, Italy’s aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and training ship ITS Vespucci will visit India.
– India has committed to upgrading the Yashwant Ghadge Memorial in Montone, Italy.
– The establishment of the first ICCR chair on India studies is planned at the University of Milan.
01:39 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi’s holds first face-to-face meet with Canadian PM Trudeau
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met a host of world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit here in the southern resort town of Italy.
This was their first face-to-face meeting after Trudeau claimed that the Indian government agents were involved in the killing of a Khalistani separatist in Canada last year. Canada has arrested four Indian nationals in connection with the case.
01:34 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi meets Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in Apulia, Italy.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Indo-Japan special strategic and global partnership, and discussed expanding cooperation across various sectors, including the landmark Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project and Japan’s planned 5 trillion yen investment in India from 2022 to 2027, aimed at bolstering industrial competitiveness and economic ties.
01:15 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Key highlights of PM Modi address at G7
1. Prime Minister Modi called for ending the monopoly in technology during his address at an Outreach session of the G7 summit in Italy’s Apulia region.
2. He emphasized India’s commitment to advocating for the priorities and concerns of the Global South on the global stage, particularly highlighting the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G-20 under India’s chairmanship.
3. Modi underscored India’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), noting India’s status as one of the first countries to develop a national AI strategy and launch the AI Mission focused on ‘AI for All’.
4. He stressed the importance of international governance in AI, highlighted during India’s hosting of the G-20 summit, aiming for transparent, fair, secure, accessible, and responsible AI technologies globally.
5. Modi outlined India’s energy principles based on availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability, pledging efforts to achieve Net Zero by 2070 and advocating for a collective global effort to promote a sustainable future.
01:11 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi calls for ending monopoly in technology in his address
Addressing the G7 Outreach event in Italy on Friday, Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of ending monopoly in technology, stating, “We have to collectively ensure that the benefits of technology reach all sections of society, to realise the potential of every person in the society, to help in removing social inequalities, and expand human powers instead of limiting them.” He emphasized, “This should not only be our desire, but our responsibility. We have to convert monopoly in technology into mass usage.” Modi further articulated, “We have to make technology creative, not destructive. Only then will we be able to lay the foundation of an inclusive society.”
Reflecting on the pervasive influence of technology in the 21st century, Modi remarked, “While on one hand technology gives the courage to take the man to the moon, on the other hand, it also creates challenges like cyber security.” He highlighted India’s proactive stance, stating, “India is among the first few countries to formulate a national strategy on artificial intelligence.”
01:04 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Leaders emphasize unity on Ukraine, Gaza cease-fire, African infrastructure, climate change, and migration
The G7 leaders emphasized their collaboration with others to tackle the urgent challenges of our era in their final communiqué. They highlighted solidarity with Ukraine, support for a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza, investment in sustainable infrastructure in Africa, and commitments to address climate change and migration. “We are working together and with others to address the pressing challenges of our time,” the leaders stated in their final communiqué.
01:01 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: President Biden highlights Brazil, Argentina, and India as key partners in the mineral sector
In his remarks at the Outreach session of the G7 Summit in Italy, US President Joe Biden mentioned Brazil, Argentina and India as critical partners in areas of minerals.
00:59 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: President Macron praises PM Modi’s AI and digital public infrastructure initiatives during G20 presidency
French President Emmanuel Macron in his address at the Outreach session, praised Prime Minister Modi’s initiative on AI and digital public infrastructure during India’s G20 presidency.
00:56 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Italian PM Meloni on sidelines of G7 Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy.
Later, PM took to X, and shared the picture of the meeting with his Italian counterpart.
“Had a very good meeting with PM Giorgia Meloni. Thanked her for inviting India to be a part of the G7 Summit and for the wonderful arrangements. We discussed ways to further cement India-Italy relations in areas like commerce, energy, defence, telecom and more. Our nations will work together in futuristic areas like biofuels, food processing and critical minerals.,” PM wrote along with the picture.
00:32 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi, Italy PM Meloni sign Letter of Intent for Cooperation in Energy Transition
At the G7 Summit in Italy, PM Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni took note of the ‘Global Biofuels Alliance’ and both the leaders signed the Letter of Intent for Cooperation in Energy Transition which will boost bilateral cooperation in clean and green energy. PM Modi and PM Meloni also expressed joy towards the new Executive Programme of Cooperation for 2025-27 to promote joint research and development in Science & Technology.
00:19 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Italian PM Meloni on sidelines of G7 Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy.
Modi arrived in Italy early Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Meloni to participate in the G7 Outreach summit. This is his first foreign trip after becoming prime minister for the third term earlier this month.
“Prime Minister Meloni’s two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda,” Modi said in Delhi ahead of his departure on Thursday.
“We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions,” he said.
(PTI)
00:05 (IST)15 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi talks about Indian parliamentary elections, hails transparency and fairness in electoral process
At the G7 Summit in Italy, PM Narendra Modi talked about the recently concluded parliamentary elections whose results came out on June 4. PM Modi, while highlighting the significance of the electoral process, said “The uniqueness and magnitude of the elections in India can be understood from some figures: More than 2,600 political parties, more than 1 million polling booths, more than 5 million Electronic Voting Machines, 15 million polling staff, and about 970 million voters, out of which 640 million people exercised their franchise.”
PM Modi further hailed the fairness and transparency through which the election happened and said, “The entire electoral process has been made fair and transparent by the ubiquitous use of technology. and the results of such a large election were also declared within a few hours! This was the biggest festival of democracy in the world and the biggest in the history of humanity. It is also a living example of our ancient values as the mother of democracy.”
23:54 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi emphasizes about the goal of developed India by 2047
At the G7 Summit in Italy, PM Narendra Modi, while speaking about various issues also talked about the goal set-up for India in the next two decades. PM Modi said that “It is our resolve to build a developed India by 2047.” While mentioning about the inclusion of all the section of society, PM Modi said “Our commitment is that no section of society should be left behind.”
23:33 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi met Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at the G7 Summit
After addressing the G7 Outreach event in Italy on Friday, PM modi took to X and shared picture with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau from the event.
23:27 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi meets US President Biden on G7 sidelines
After addressing the G7 Outreach event in Italy on Friday, PM modi took to X and shared pictures with US president Joe Biden from the event.
‘It’s always a pleasure to meet President Joe Biden. India and USA will keep working together to further global good,’ he added.
23:20 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi Highlights Mission LiFE
After addressing the G7 Outreach event in Italy on Friday, PM Modi, in a post on X said, ‘As far as energy is concerned, India’s approach is based on availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability. We are working to fulfil our CoP commitments before the designated time period. India is working to usher in a Green Era, based on the principles of Mission LiFE. Also highlighted the campaign “?? ???? ??? ?? ???” to make our planet more sustainable.’
23:12 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi emphasizes ‘AI for All’ mission at G7 Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing global progress and well-being during his participation in the Outreach session on AI and Energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy on Friday. He also extended congratulations to the group on its 50th anniversary milestone.
Speaking on India’s AI Mission centered on “AI for All,” the Prime Minister underscored the technology’s role in promoting the welfare of all people. He emphasized India’s commitment to fostering international cooperation as a founding member of the Global Partnership for AI, stating that this collaboration is pivotal for achieving broader societal objectives.
Additionally, PM Modi expressed satisfaction in attending the Summit following his re-election in the world’s largest democratic exercise. He emphasized the necessity for technology to prioritize a human-centric approach to ensure its successful implementation.
22:24 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: India making every possible effort to achieve Net Zero target by 2070, says PM Modi
Addressing the G7 Outreach event in Italy on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “We are making every possible effort to fulfill our commitment to achieve target of Net Zero by 2070.”
He added, “India’s approach in field of energy is based on four principles – availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability.”
22:00 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: We must make technology creative, not destructive, says PM Modi
Addressing the G7 Outreach event in Italy on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “We must make technology creative, not destructive. Only then will we be able to lay foundation of inclusive society.”
He added, “India is striving for a better future through this human-centric approach.”
21:50 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: India takes responsibility to put concerns of Global South on world stage, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again brought up the concerns and priorities of the Global South countries at the G7 Outreach event on Friday. Addressing the event, Modi said, “India has considered it its responsibility to put priorities and concerns of countries of the Global South on world stage.” He added that these countries “are bearing brunt of global uncertainties and tensions”. He further highlighted India’s presidency of the G20, under which the African Union was made a permanent member of the grouping. Modi also said, “India is among first few countries to formulate a national strategy in Artificial Intelligence. During G20 Summit hosted by India last year, we stressed on importance of international governance in field of AI”.
18:31 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi meets Pope Francis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pope Francis at the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy today
18:11 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Narendra Modi meets Giorgia Meloni
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni at the sidelines of the G7 Summit today
17:45 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Modi, Zelenskyy discuss trade
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed trade and the summit in Switzerland in their meeting at the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy, news agency Reuters reported.
16:30 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Modi, Macron discuss ways to further strengthen partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy.
The two discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership including in areas of defence, nuclear and space, and exchanged views on key global and regional issues.
16:04 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: After Macron and Sunak, Modi holds talks with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the G7 Summit underway in Italy’s Bari.
15:41 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Modi meets Rishi Sunak, meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy next
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding discussions with United Kingdom Rishi Sunak at the G7 summit.
Next, he is scheduled to meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
15:18 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi meets Macron, meeting with UK’s Rishi Sunak next
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 Summit.
Next, he is scheduled to meet UK PM Rishi Sunak.
14:25 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Why are there outreach sessions at the summit?
The pope will be joined by 10 other heads of state and government, including the prime minister of India and the king of Jordan, as the G7 throws open its doors to outsiders to show it isn’t an aloof, exclusive club.
Besides his speech on AI, the Pope will hold multiple bilateral meetings, including with Biden, Zelenskyy and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
“It is a historic day. We will welcome the Holy Father. It is the first time for a pontiff at a G7. I am proud it will happen under the Italian presidency,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told reporters on Thursday.
13:58 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: EU Council chief says summit will tackle Ukraine, the Middle East, migration and Africa
European Council President Charles Michel says the Group of Seven summit would focus on four major challenges including financial support for Ukraine, the war in the Middle East, migration, and relations with Africa.
On Ukraine, Michel said at Thursday’s start of the Group of Seven summit that “we want to make decisions to provide more immediate financial support for Ukraine so that they can defend themselves.”
The G7 meeting opened with an agreement on a US proposal to back a $50 billion loan to Ukraine with frozen Russian assets.
Speaking of the ongoing war in Gaza, Michel said the main goals were an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, humanitarian access to Gaza and relaunching “a political track for making possible the two-state solution as soon as possible.”
13:12 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: US and EU on China | Agenda of the day
The US this week imposed fresh sanctions on China-based firms supplying semiconductors to Russia, amid worries over Beijing’s increasingly aggressive stance against Taiwan and run-ins with the Philippines over rival maritime claims.
“China is not supplying weapons (to Russia) but the ability to produce those weapons and the technology available to do it, so it is in fact helping Russia,” US President Joe Biden told reporters at the summit after signing a bilateral security pact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On Tuesday, the EU announced it would impose extra duties of up to 38.1% on imported Chinese electric cars from July, risking retaliation from Beijing, which vowed to take measures to safeguard its interests.
12:32 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: AI, energy, Africa to be in focus in PM Modi’s outreach session
The prime minister said he was glad that his first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit.
“During the discussions at the Outreach session, the focus will be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean,” Modi said.
“It will be an opportunity to bring greater synergy between the outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India’s Presidency and the forthcoming G7 Summit, and deliberate on issues which are crucial for the Global South,” he said.
Modi will have a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Meloni.
12:07 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Russia’s take on the annual summit: Not invited, dismissed it as a sham
Russia, currently enagaged in a war with Ukraine, has described the idea of a summit to which it is not invited as “futile”, the AP reported.
Moscow casts its “special military operation” in Ukraine as part of a broader struggle with the West, which it says wants to bring Russia to its knees.
The idea of a summit was originally floated after Zelenskiy presented a 10-point peace plan in late 2022.
Since then there has been a series of preparatory meetings.
The proposal had appeared to be gaining some traction, with China and some major countries from the “Global South” signalling interest at a meeting in Saudi Arabia last August.
However, the war in Gaza has sapped momentum and Moscow has sought to undermine the summit’s validity.
Meanwhile, China, along with Brazil, is pushing a separate peace plan for Ukraine that calls for the participation of both warring parties. Moscow has previously voiced its support for China’s efforts to end the conflict.
Kyiv has not hidden its frustration at China’s decision to skip the Swiss summit. Zelenskiy even accused Beijing of helping Russia to disrupt it, an extraordinary outburst against a global superpower with unrivalled influence over Moscow.
Given such headwinds and the entrenched differences between Ukraine and Russia, the summit is most likely to shy away from territorial issues and focus on parts of Zelenskiy’s plan that are broad enough to be palatable to most, if not all, participants. These include the need to guarantee food security, nuclear safety, freedom of navigation and prisoner exchanges, officials said.
11:59 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: How could the loan sanctioned by G7 be used and how soon can it happen?
Although many details still need to be worked out, G7 members – the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and Britain – and the European Union (EU) are expected to contribute to the loan, with cash to reach Kyiv by the end of the year. It will be up to technical experts to work through the details.
Ukraine will be able to spend the money in several areas, including for military, economic and humanitarian needs and reconstruction, the US official said. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said the goal is “to provide the necessary resources to Ukraine now for its economic energy and other needs so that it’s capable of having the resilience necessary to withstand Russia’s continuing aggression.”
Another goal is to get the money to Ukraine quickly.
The French official, who was not authorized to be publicly named according to French presidential policy, said the details could be worked out “very quickly and in any case, the $50 billion will be disbursed before the end of 2024.”
Beyond the costs of the war, the needs are great.
The World Bank’s latest damage assessment of Ukraine, released in February, estimates that costs for reconstruction and recovery of the nation stand at $486 billion over the next 10 years.
The move to unlock Russia’s assets comes after there was a long delay in Washington by Congress in approving military aid for Ukraine.
11:42 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Pope Francis will be the first pontiff to address a G7 venue
Francis will address G7 leaders on Friday at their annual gathering in southern Italy — a first for a pope. He intends to use the occasion to join the chorus of countries and global bodies pushing for stronger guardrails on AI following the boom in generative artificial intelligence kickstarted by OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot.
The Argentine pope used his annual peace message this year to call for an international treaty to ensure AI is developed and used ethnically.
11:12 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: Why China will be key issue on Day 2?
While Ukraine dominated the first day of talks, G7 members – the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and Britain – and the European Union (EU) are expected to discuss China’s excess industrial capacity and its support for Russia on Friday.
However, there are differences within the G7 over how to counter Chinese state subsidies, with Europe anxious to avoid an all-out trade war with Beijing.
11:03 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: In line with G7 agreement, why not just give Ukraine frozen assets directly?
That’s much harder to do.
For more than a year, officials from multiple countries have debated the legality of confiscating the money and sending it to Ukraine.
The US and its allies immediately froze whatever Russian central bank assets they had access to when Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022. That basically was money being held in banks outside Russia.
The assets are immobilized and cannot be accessed by Moscow, but they still belong to Russia.
While governments can generally freeze property or funds without difficulty, turning them into forfeited assets that can be used for the benefit of Ukraine requires an extra layer of judicial procedure, including a legal basis and adjudication in a court.
The EU instead has set aside the profits being generated by the frozen assets. That pot of money is easier to access.
Separately, the US this year passed a law called the REPO Act — short for the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act — that allows the Biden administration to seize $5 billion in Russian state assets in the US and use them for the benefit of Kyiv. That arrangement is being worked out.
10:40 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Day 2 Live Updates: Has there been any disagreement noted among the world leaders so far?
Divisions were noted to have emerged over the wording of the summit’s final declaration on Day 1.
The disagreement came up over the inclusion of a reference to abortion. Italy demanded the removal of a reference to “safe and legal abortion” from the final G7 statement, leading to a dispute with French President Emmanuel Macron. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused Macron of attempting to score political points ahead of the upcoming French elections.
10:38 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Day 2 Live Updates: Leaders tackle the issue of migration
On Day 2 of the G7 Summit in Italy, leaders are said to be turning their attention to migration, seeking ways to combat trafficking and increase investment in countries from where migrants start out on “often life-threatening journeys”.
The day’s agenda for the gathering in Italy’s southern Puglia region includes topics such as financial support for Ukraine, the war in Gaza, artificial intelligence and climate change, as well as China’s industrial policy and economic security.
Migration is of particular interest to summit host Italy, which lies on one of the major routes into the European Union for people fleeing war and poverty in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Right-wing Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, known for her hard-line stance on the issue, has been keen to increase investment and funding for African nations as a means of reducing migratory pressure on Europe.
10:29 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: G7 leaders agree to lend Ukraine billions backed by Russia’s frozen assets. Here’s how it will work:
Where would the money come from?
Most of the money would be in the form of a loan mostly guaranteed by the U.S. government, backed by profits being earned on roughly $260 billion in immobilized Russian assets. The vast majority of that money is held in European Union nations.
A French official said the loan could be “topped up” with European money or contributions from other countries.
A U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the agreement said the G7 leaders’ official statement due out Friday will leave the door open to trying to confiscate the Russian assets entirely.
10:17 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: What PM Modi’s participation at the summit means for India?
“At G7 also, we have always brought the issues of the Global South to the forefront” — Here’s what India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said:
– India’s regular participation at the G7 summit clearly points to increasing recognition and contribution of the efforts that India has been making in trying to resolve global challenges, including those of peace, security, development and environment preservation.
– It acquires particular salience in context of India’s recently held, not so recent, presidency of the G20, where India took a leading role in building global consensus on a number of contentious issues.
– Prime Minister’s participation in the G7 summit would also provide a timely opportunity to follow up on outcomes of the G20 summit held under India’s presidency last year, and deliberate on issues which are significant for the Global South.
10:00 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: What happened on Day 1 of summit?
On the opening day of the summit, Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) agreed on an outline deal to provide $50 billion of loans for Ukraine using interest from Russian sovereign assets frozen after Moscow invaded its neighbour in 2022.
It was attended for a second successive year by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He signed a new, long-term security accord with US President Joe Biden after signing a 10-year security accord with Japan, with Tokyo promising to provide Kyiv with $4.5 billion this year — underlining continued strong backing from the West.
Although many details still need to be worked out, G7 members – the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and Britain – and the European Union (EU) are expected to contribute to the loan, with cash to reach Kyiv by the end of the year.
09:40 (IST)14 JUN 2024
G7 Summit Live Updates: PM Modi lands in Italy, share first pictures from Italy
“Landed in Italy to take part in the G7 Summit. Looking forward to engaging in productive discussions with world leaders. Together, we aim to address global challenges and foster international cooperation for a brighter future,” the PM said in a post on X.
Along with the outreach session, the Indian Prime Minister who is on his first foregin trip since assuming office for a third straight term will also hold bilateral talks with the G7 leaders including Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni.
09:38 (IST)14 JUN 2024
Good morning!
Welcome to the live blog!
Today we track the 50th G7 Summit where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend an outreach session.
The session will be focused on issues relating to artificial intelligence, energy, Africa and the Mediterranean.
Stay tuned for latest updates.
G7 agrees on loan deal worth $50 billion to support Ukraine with Russian assets
Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies agreed on an outline deal on Thursday to provide $50 billion of loans for Ukraine using interest from Russian sovereign assets frozen after Moscow invaded its neighbour in 2022.
The political agreement was the centrepiece of the opening day in southern Italy of the annual summit of G7 leaders, attended for a second successive year by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
In pictures: G7 Summit in Italy – Day one highlights
Italy’s parliament brawl highlights tension amid G7 summit
In Italy’s parliament, a heated debate over a government proposal turned physical, resulting in an opposition lawmaker being hospitalised. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening amid criticism by opponents for potentially worsening poverty in southern regions. The altercation resulted in an opposition lawmaker being hospitalised.
During the annual Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Puglia, Italy, violent scenes from the parliamentary brawl spread widely, prompting regret from Italian officials. The summit, spanning from Thursday to Saturday, gathers leaders from the European Union and six other industrialised nations, including President Biden. Discussions will focus around critical global issues, notably the war in Ukraine.
Taaza Khabar 
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