PM Modi arrives in France for G7 Summit as leaders hold first high-stakes session on Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Tuesday to participate in the 52nd G7 Summit, joining world leaders for discussions on some of the most pressing geopolitical and economic challenges facing the international community.

Sharing an update on X after reaching the summit venue, Modi said he looked forward to engaging with global leaders and reiterated India's commitment to advancing collective efforts towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

India is attending the G7 Summit as a partner country for the 13th time, while this marks Modi's seventh consecutive appearance at the gathering.

Hosted by France from June 15 to 17, the summit has brought together leaders from the world's leading industrialised nations: France, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Italy and Canada: Along with invited partner countries.

Ukraine conflict dominates opening discussions

The summit's first high-level session on Tuesday focused on efforts to restore peace in Ukraine, underscoring the conflict's continued impact on global security and economic stability.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in the session alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump.

Reports suggest Zelenskyy is also expected to hold separate bilateral meetings with Trump and other G7 leaders during the summit.

The discussions come amid escalating tensions between Kyiv and Moscow. In a recent post on X, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities after an oil refinery located around 500 kilometres inside Russian territory was reportedly hit.

He described the strike as a justified response to Russian attacks and stressed that pressure must continue on Moscow to bring the war to an end.

Meanwhile, reports citing Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin indicated that a Ukrainian drone attack damaged a facility at the Moscow oil refinery owned by Gazpromneft.

The refinery is considered the largest in the Moscow region and plays a significant role in Russia's fuel production.

Global security, supply chains and India's participation

Beyond Ukraine, leaders are expected to deliberate on a wide range of issues including geopolitical tensions in West Asia, developments in the Indo-Pacific, energy security, climate action and global economic resilience.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said discussions during the summit's working dinner on Monday covered the situations in West Asia and Ukraine, as well as efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience, particularly in critical minerals and strategic resources.

Modi's participation follows his visit to Slovakia, which he described as historic and productive.

During the trip, he was conferred Slovakia's highest civilian honour, the Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), and witnessed the signing of several agreements covering education, research, technology and talent mobility.

As the G7 Summit progresses, India's presence is expected to provide an important perspective on issues ranging from global growth and sustainable development to geopolitical stability and international cooperation.