PM Modi takes centre stage with Trump, Macron in front row of G7 leaders
EVIAN, JUNE 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood alongside US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in the front row of the official G7 leaders’ photograph on Tuesday, a moment that highlighted India’s increasingly prominent role in global affairs.
The photograph, taken during the G7 Summit in Evian, France, brought together leaders of the world’s major economies and invited partner countries. Modi’s placement alongside summit host Macron and Trump drew attention as India continues to expand its influence in discussions on global economic growth, technology, trade and sustainable development.
Earlier in the day, Macron personally received Modi at the summit venue, underscoring the strong strategic partnership between France and India and New Delhi’s significance in the deliberations at the gathering.
Following the leaders’ photograph, PM Modi and Trump held their first face-to-face meeting in nearly 16 months. The two leaders were also seated next to each other during the summit proceedings. Their interaction comes as New Delhi and Washington seek to strengthen cooperation across trade, defence, critical technologies and resilient supply chains.
The Evian summit marks Prime Minister Modi’s seventh consecutive participation in a G7 gathering as a guest leader, making him one of the most frequently invited non-member participants in the forum’s recent history. Observers note that India’s repeated invitations reflect the country’s growing economic weight, strategic importance and influence in shaping international debates.
Over the years, PM Modi has used the G7 platform to advocate greater representation for developing countries in global governance and to push for cooperation on issues ranging from climate action and digital governance to food security and sustainable development.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He is also expected to attend a gala dinner hosted by Macron.
-AFP
