**- In his departure statement on June 13 evening, Mr.

Modi said, 'I look forward to meeting fellow world leaders and discussing a wide range of issues aimed at making our planet better and improving the lives of people.

'- He expressed his gladness that his first foreign visit in his third consecutive term as Prime Minister is to Italy for the G7 Summit.

- Mr.

Modi warmly recalled his visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021 and highlighted the momentum and depth infused in the bilateral agenda by Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year.

- He emphasized the commitment to consolidating the India-Italy strategic partnership and bolstering cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions.

**Focus of Discussions:**- During the discussions at the Outreach session, the focus will be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean.

- Mr.

Modi sees this as an opportunity to bring greater synergy between the outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India's Presidency and the forthcoming G7 Summit, and to deliberate on issues crucial for the Global South.

- He is also looking forward to meeting other leaders participating in the summit.

**Global Context:**- The G7 Summit in Apulia, southern Italy, aims to send a strong message to the Global South, as stated by Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni in her opening address.

- The Russia-Ukraine conflict is set to dominate the agenda, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arriving for discussions on June 13.

- British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is leading calls for decisive efforts to support Ukraine, announcing up to GBP 242 million in bilateral assistance to Ukraine.

**India's Stance:**- In his pre-visit media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra recalled Mr.

Modi's statement in September 2022 that 'today's era is not of war.

'- India has always been at the forefront to offer assistance to alleviate challenges faced by the Global South due to the conflict, providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the Global South affected by conflict.

- India will continue to share its perspective with world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

**Invited Leaders:**- Besides India, Italy has invited leaders from 11 developing countries in Africa, South America, and the Indo-Pacific region to attend the G7 Summit.