Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 52nd [1] G7 Leaders' Summit in Évian‑les‑Bains, France, on June 16–17, 2026 [2].
This gathering comes at a critical juncture as world leaders attempt to coordinate responses to escalating geopolitical tensions and economic instability. The presence of India at the summit underscores the country's growing influence in shaping global security and technological policy.
Modi held bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron [1]. The discussions centered on a wide array of pressing challenges, ranging from economic uncertainty and sustainable growth, to the development of critical mineral value chains [4].
Technological issues and artificial intelligence also dominated the final day of talks [3]. Security concerns were a primary focus, specifically regarding the war in Ukraine and tensions between the U.S. and Iran [1, 4]. During the event, Donald Trump said, "Russia should make a deal with Ukraine" [5].
Modi emphasized the necessity of international cooperation in maintaining open trade and safe transit. "Maritime routes must remain secure for seafarers," Modi said [6]. He further noted that "successful partnerships are built on trust" [7].
The summit in Évian‑les‑Bains [1] served as a forum for these leaders to align their strategies on maritime security and the stabilization of global markets. The meetings aimed to foster a unified approach to the technological shifts currently disrupting global industries [3].
“"Maritime routes must remain secure for seafarers"”
The 52nd G7 Summit highlights a shift toward multilateral diplomacy focused on the intersection of technology and security. By engaging with the G7 on critical mineral chains and AI, India is positioning itself as a necessary bridge between the Global South and Western economies, while the focus on maritime security reflects an urgent need to protect global trade arteries from regional conflicts.
