PM Modi arrives in Evian for G7 Summit, India's 13th participation
Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi's arrival in Evian for the G7 Summit is India's 13th appearance at the table — and his seventh in a row. With sessions spanning AI governance, global economic recovery, and international solidarity, India is positioned not as an observer but as a shaper of the agenda, backed by its G20 presidency legacy and its self-appointed role as the voice of the Global South.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Evian, France on 16 June to attend the G7 Summit , at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron .
This is India's 13th participation in the G7 Summit and Modi's seventh consecutive attendance .
Modi made a stopover in Geneva , where he was received by Swiss President Guy Parmelin ; both leaders reaffirmed commitment to the India-Switzerland bilateral partnership .
India will participate in G7 sessions on AI rollout , global economic growth , and international solidarity , and Modi will hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines.
After Evian, Modi travels to Paris on Thursday for the VivaTech Summit and meetings with the Indian diaspora .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Evian, France on Tuesday, 16 June to attend the Group of Seven (G7) Summit, marking India's 13th participation in the annual gathering and Modi's seventh consecutive attendance. The Prime Minister was invited by French President Emmanuel Macron and is expected to engage with leaders from G7 nations, invited partner countries, and international organisations.
Modi's Arrival and Geneva Stopover
Before reaching Evian, Prime Minister Modi landed in Geneva, Switzerland, where he was received by Swiss President Guy Parmelin at the airport. The two leaders exchanged warm greetings and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India-Switzerland bilateral partnership, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
On his arrival in Evian, Modi said India remains committed to collective global action. 'Reached Evian, France for the G7 Summit. Looking forward to engaging with world leaders and exchanging views on key global issues. India remains committed to advancing collective efforts for a more sustainable and prosperous planet,' he posted on X.
Summit Sessions India Will Participate In
During the summit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to participate in three key sessions: Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity; Reviving Balanced, Shared and Sustainable Economic Growth for All; and Ensuring a Safe, Rapid and Efficient Rollout of AI. He will also hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines.
India's Role as Voice of the Global South
The MEA has underscored that India's consistent presence at the G7 reflects its expanding role in shaping global discourse on peace, security, development, and environmental sustainability. MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George, in a special briefing ahead of the visit, noted that India has used international forums — including the G20 and the Voice of Global South Summit — to champion the developmental priorities of emerging economies.
'India's regular participation at the G7 Summits reflects the increasing recognition of India's role and contributions in addressing global challenges relating to peace, security, development and environmental sustainability,' George said.
Paris Visit and VivaTech Summit Next
After concluding his engagements in Evian, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Paris on Thursday for bilateral meetings and to attend VivaTech, described as Europe's largest technology and startup event. He is also expected to address members of the Indian diaspora in Paris, according to the MEA.
This visit underscores India's deepening engagement with Western multilateral frameworks even as it maintains its longstanding role as a bridge between the developed world and the Global South.
Point of View
Anchored around VivaTech, adds a tech-diplomacy dimension that goes beyond traditional statecraft. The risk, as always, is that India's bridging role between the West and the Global South is easier to claim than to operationalise when geopolitical fault lines harden.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PM Modi attending the G7 Summit in Evian?
Prime Minister Modi was invited by French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the G7 Summit in Evian as a partner country participant. India is not a G7 member but has been a regular invitee, and this marks its 13th participation in the summit.
What sessions will India participate in at the G7 Summit?
India will take part in three summit sessions: Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity; Reviving Balanced, Shared and Sustainable Economic Growth for All; and Ensuring a Safe, Rapid and Efficient Rollout of AI. PM Modi will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines.
What happened during PM Modi's stopover in Geneva?
PM Modi landed in Geneva en route to Evian and was received by Swiss President Guy Parmelin at the airport. The two leaders exchanged warm greetings and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Switzerland bilateral partnership, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Where does PM Modi travel after the G7 Summit?
After concluding his engagements in Evian, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Paris on Thursday. He will attend VivaTech — Europe's largest technology and startup event — hold bilateral meetings, and address members of the Indian community in Paris.
How significant is India's participation in the G7?
India's participation reflects its growing influence in global affairs. According to MEA Secretary Sibi George, India has consistently used G7 and other international forums, including the G20 and the Voice of Global South Summit, to represent the developmental priorities and concerns of emerging economies.
