INDIA @ G7 SUMMIT

INDIA @ G7 SUMMIT

52nd G7 Summit 2026 : About the Summit

The 52nd G7 Summit was held from 15–17 June 2026 under the Presidency of France.

Theme

“Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity”

The theme reflected the need for:

• Rebuilding trust among nations.
• Strengthening multilateral cooperation.
• Addressing economic uncertainty.
• Managing technological transformation.
• Tackling climate change.
• Enhancing global peace and stability.
• Promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

WHY IS INDIA IMPORTANT FOR G7?

Although India is not a G7 member, it is regularly invited because:

• India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
• India represents the interests of the Global South.
• India is a major digital and technology power.
• India plays a critical role in Indo-Pacific security.
• India is an important partner in climate action and energy transition.
• India is becoming a key alternative manufacturing and supply-chain hub.

Significance

India’s repeated invitations reflect its growing influence in global affairs and its importance in addressing contemporary global challenges.

ORIGIN OF G7 AND ITS PRESENT COMPOSITION

• The origin of G7 lies in the oil shocks of 1973 and the corresponding financial crisis.
• In order to address the situation after oil shock, the heads of the world’s six leading industrial nations decided to hold a meeting in 1975.

These six nations were – US, UK, France, Germany (West), Japan and Italy.

• These countries were joined by Canada in 1976 and G7 came into existence.
• In 1998, Russia was formally inducted in the group, which transformed G7 into G8. However, Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. As a result, it was suspended from the grouping. Hence, the group became G7 again in 2014.
• The European Union is also represented within the

VISIT TO FRANCE: MAJOR ENGAGEMENTS

Nice

• Participated in the Bharat Innovates Programme.
• Showcased India’s startup ecosystem and innovation capabilities.

Évian-les-Bains

• Attended the G7 Summit Outreach Session.
• Participated in discussions on global economic, technological and geopolitical issues.

Paris

• Addressed VivaTech 2026.
• Met leading CEOs, investors and technology innovators.
• Interacted with the Indian diaspora.

INDIA FRANCE RELATIONS

France remains one of India’s closest strategic partners.

Major Areas of Cooperation

• Defence and security
• Indo-Pacific cooperation
• Space technology
• Civil nuclear energy
• Artificial Intelligence
• Climate action
• Trade and investment

Strategic Importance

• France is among the few countries that has consistently supported India’s strategic autonomy and defence modernisation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The visit reaffirmed the strength of the India-France Strategic Partnership and expanded cooperation in emerging technologies and innovation.

Address to the Indian Diaspora

• PM Modi described India as a: “Trusted Partner of the World”

Key Messages

• India is undergoing rapid transformation.
• Aspirations of Indians are reaching unprecedented levels.
• India’s achievements are enhancing its global standing.
• The country is emerging as a major force in innovation, technology and economic growth.

IMPORTANCE OF DIASPORA

The Indian diaspora serves as:

• A bridge between India and the world.
• A source of cultural influence.
• A contributor to economic and technological cooperation.
• An instrument of India’s soft power.

VIVATECH 2026 & INDIA’S TECHNOLOGY VISION

Democratisation of Technology

• PM Modi emphasized that technology should be accessible to all sections of society.

Key Statement : “AI Means All Inclusive”

India argued that Artificial Intelligence should promote:

• Inclusive growth.
• Social empowerment.
• Better governance.
• Economic opportunities for all.

INDIA’S DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

India showcased its globally recognised DPI model comprising:

• Aadhaar
• UPI
• DigiLocker
• CoWIN

Significance

India presented DPI as:

• A scalable development model.
• A tool for financial inclusion.
• A platform for digital empowerment.
• A model that can be adopted by developing countries.

INDIA’S DIGITAL ACHIEVEMENTS

PM Modi highlighted that:

• India is among the world’s leading digital economies.
• Nearly half of global digital transactions occur in India.
• Digital technologies have transformed governance and service delivery.

Significance :

India is emerging as:

• A global technology hub.
• A leader in digital innovation.
• A major player in the AI ecosystem.

Artificial Intelligence Governance

• AI emerged as a major area of discussion during the summit.

KEY ISSUES DISCUSSED

Ethical AI :

• Responsible and transparent AI systems.
• Prevention of algorithmic bias.

AI Safety :

• Global standards for safe deployment of advanced AI systems.

Misinformation :

• Combating deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation.

Cybersecurity :

• Protecting digital infrastructure from AI-enabled threats.

Data Protection

• Ensuring privacy and security of personal data.

Employment Challenges

• Addressing workforce disruptions caused by automation.

INDIA’S POSITION

India advocated:

• Human-centric AI.
• Inclusive technology.
• Balance between innovation and regulation.
• International cooperation in AI governance.

India’s Participation in the G7 Summit

• India participated as a guest country and used the platform to advance its diplomatic and developmental priorities.

INDIA’S STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Economic Diplomacy

• Expanding trade and investment opportunities.
• Strengthening supply-chain integration.

Technology Diplomacy

• Promoting Digital Public Infrastructure.
• Positioning India as a technology and innovation hub.

Strategic Diplomacy

• Strengthening ties with major powers.
• Expanding India’s role in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Development Diplomacy

• Advocating concerns of developing countries.

Maritime Diplomacy

• Promoting secure and open sea lanes.

INDIA’S CORE MESSAGE @ G7

Addressing the Global Trust Deficit

PM Modi emphasized that:

• Trust is the world’s most valuable strategic asset.
• Global challenges arise more from a shortage of trust than a shortage of resources.
• International cooperation must be based on transparency and reliability.

Significance

• India argued that rebuilding trust is essential for solving global economic, security and developmental challenges.

REFORMING THE DEVELOPMENT PARADIGM

India called for moving beyond the traditional: Donor–Recipient Model towards:

• Partnership-Based Development based on:
  • Mutual respect.
  • Shared responsibility.
  • Inclusive decision-making.

Voice of the Global South

India reiterated that developing countries seek:

• Fair representation.
• Greater participation in decision-making.
• Equitable access to opportunities.

INDIA’S POSITION

India projected itself as:

• The voice of the Global South.
• A bridge between developed and developing nations.
• A champion of inclusive globalization.

Reformed Multilateralism

India emphasized the need for reform of international institutions.

Key Demands

• More representative global governance structures.
• Greater voice for developing countries.
• Reform of international financial institutions.
• Reform of the UN system.

Significance

• India argued that global institutions must reflect present-day realities rather than post-World War II power structures.

MAJOR AGENDA OF G7 SUMMIT

Economic Security and Global Growth

Key Discussions

• Strengthening global supply chains.
• Reducing dependence on limited suppliers.
• Enhancing economic resilience.
• Promoting sustainable growth.
• Expanding fair and rules-based trade.

Critical Minerals Security

Focus on securing access to:

• Lithium
• Cobalt
• Rare earth elements

Strategic Industries

• Semiconductors
• Pharmaceuticals
• Advanced manufacturing

Relevance for India

Supports India’s ambition to become:

• A manufacturing hub.
• A semiconductor producer.
• A trusted supply-chain partner.

Climate Change and Energy Transition

Major Focus Areas

• Reducing carbon emissions.
• Expanding renewable energy.
• Climate finance.
• Green hydrogen cooperation.
• Biodiversity conservation.
• Sustainable infrastructure.

Relevance for India

Supports:

• International Solar Alliance.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Net Zero target by 2070.

International Security and Geopolitical Stability

Major Issues Discussed

• Russia–Ukraine conflict.
• West Asia tensions.
• Global food security.
• Counter-terrorism cooperation.
• Protection of critical infrastructure.
• Rules-based international order.

India’s Position: India advocated

• Dialogue and diplomacy.
• Peaceful conflict resolution.
• Respect for sovereignty.
• Strategic autonomy.

Maritime Security and Trade Connectivity

Key Issues

• Freedom of navigation.
• Security of global trade routes.
• Supply-chain resilience.
• Protection of energy transportation corridors.
• Blue Economy development.

India’s Stand

India emphasized:

• Protection of seafarers.
• Secure shipping routes.
• Maritime security.
• Uninterrupted global trade.

 

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