Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, engaging with world leaders to strengthen trade ties, promote investments, and tackle regional and global challenges such as counter-terrorism and climate change.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Mr. Modi met heads of state and government from South Korea, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Mexico. These discussions are seen as part of India’s larger strategy to reinforce diplomatic ties, strengthen its strategic partnerships, and enhance its global leadership role.

India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership

PM Modi had a “very good meeting” with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. The leaders discussed ways to collaborate on trade, investment, green hydrogen, technology, and shipbuilding.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) posted on X, “Boosting India-Republic of Korea relations! PM @narendramodi and President @Jaemyung_Lee of the Republic of Korea had a productive meeting… They agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade and commerce, investment, technology, green hydrogen and more.”

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal added that the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership, exploring critical and emerging technologies, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people (P2P) partnerships.

They also exchanged views on pressing regional and global matters, including security and economic stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron

PM Modi also met French President Emmanuel Macron, calling it “always a delight” to interact with a close friend. Modi highlighted their shared commitment to global welfare and climate goals.

“India and France will keep working closely for the betterment of our planet,” Modi posted on X. The two countries have a longstanding strategic partnership, with cooperation spanning defence, space, civil nuclear energy, and environmental protection.

Strengthening India–UK Relations with PM Keir Starmer

In his first bilateral meeting with newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, PM Modi noted the growing strength of the India–UK relationship.

Describing it as an “exceptional conversation”, Modi remarked, “India and UK ties are getting stronger… We will keep working together to add even more momentum to this wonderful friendship.”

The leaders are said to have discussed progress in trade and commerce, as well as future cooperation under the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) framework.

India–Italy Friendship with PM Giorgia Meloni

PM Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and both leaders reiterated the deep friendship between India and Italy.

“Fully agree with you, PM Giorgia Meloni. India’s friendship with Italy will continue to get stronger, greatly benefitting our people!” Modi wrote on X.

The two nations are expected to expand cooperation in defence manufacturing, renewable energy, and education, in line with their recent strategic upgrades.

First Meeting with Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum

PM Modi also held talks with Mexico's newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the first woman to hold the post in two centuries. Congratulating her personally on her historic electoral win, Modi expressed optimism about growing ties between India and Mexico.

“We both see immense potential in India-Mexico ties, especially in agriculture, semiconductors, critical minerals, healthcare and more,” Modi said.

He thanked President Sheinbaum for Mexico’s support in India’s fight against terrorism, and stressed enhancing people-to-people ties and exploring new collaborations in innovation, start-ups, and the automotive sector.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders highlighted the historical friendship between India and Mexico and agreed to work towards expanding economic and cultural ties.

Themes Across Bilateral Engagements

Throughout these bilateral talks, PM Modi reinforced key themes:

• The importance of multilateral cooperation to address global challenges like terrorism, energy transition, AI, and climate change.

• A commitment to deepen strategic and economic ties with nations across continents—Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

• Focus on building bridges between the Global South and the world’s leading economies.

With the G7 Summit serving as a global platform, India used this opportunity to not only engage with powerful economies but also to reassert its leadership as a responsible democratic power.

India’s Foreign Policy Momentum at G7

PM Modi’s engagements at the G7 Summit underscore India’s proactive foreign policy, which aims to balance economic diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and multilateral engagement.

India’s presence at the summit reflects its growing global stature and its commitment to working with like-minded democracies to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development worldwide.

In addition to strengthening existing partnerships, these meetings signalled India's readiness to collaborate on emerging global priorities, from AI governance to green energy and resilient supply chains.

As the world looks for stable, democratic leadership in turbulent times, India’s role in forums like the G7 continues to grow in relevance and influence.

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