Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for Italy on Thursday to attend the G7 annual summit, marking his first trip abroad after assuming office for the third consecutive term.

India has been invited as an Outreach Country to the summit, being held in the Apulia region of Italy from June 13-14. The G7 group comprises seven member countries- US, UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and France – as well as the European Union.

Indian ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, said that PM Modi will engage with G7 leaders at the summit on issues of importance to India as well as to the Global South.

PM Modi is traveling to Italy at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This will be India’s 11th participation at the G7 Summit and PM Modi’s fifth consecutive attendance at the event. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings and discussions with G7 leaders, Outreach nations, and international organizations.

Foreign Secretary Kwatra said that PM Modi is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, during which the two leaders are expected to review the entire range of bilateral ties.

Kwatra said the visit assumes significance as it will be PM Modi’s first overseas trip in his third consecutive term. “It will also afford him an opportunity to engage with other world leaders present at the G7 Summit on issues of importance to India, as also to the Global South,” he said.

Kwatra added that the focus of the G7 Summit’s Outreach Session will be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. He highlighted that India’s participation at the G7 Summit points to increasing recognition and contribution of the Indian government in addressing global challenges.

(With ANI input)