Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Evian, France on Tuesday, 16 June for the 52nd G7 Summit, engaging with multiple world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the outreach session. This marks India's 13th participation in the G7 and Modi's seventh consecutive attendance at the summit.

Modi and Macron: Bilateral Warmth Continues

President Macron welcomed Prime Minister Modi with a warm embrace as the two leaders met ahead of the outreach session. Modi acknowledged the gesture publicly, posting on X: 'Thank you for the welcome in Evian my friend, President Macron!'

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the interaction built on productive bilateral discussions the two leaders had held in Nice just days earlier. 'The two leaders now carry forward their conversations in multilateral format,' the MEA stated. The continuity signals a deepening of the India-France strategic partnership beyond ceremonial exchanges.

Family Photo and Outreach Session

Modi was prominently present at the official G7 family photograph, where he was seen engaging with several heads of state. 'Before the start of the proceedings at the G7 Summit in Evian this afternoon. Always insightful to exchange perspectives with G7 leaders,' Modi wrote on X, sharing a glimpse of his interactions.

The MEA noted: 'Leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gather for the family photo at the 52nd G7 Summit in Evian, France. A step further in collective commitment to address global challenges and advance inclusive growth.'

Brief Modi-Trump Exchange Ahead of Wednesday Bilateral

Modi and US President Donald Trump briefly met and exchanged greetings on the sidelines of the outreach session, shaking hands and holding a short conversation ahead of the G7 working session on 'Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity' — attended by G7 nations, partner countries, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank.

A full bilateral meeting between the two leaders is scheduled for Wednesday, covering economic growth, supply chains, Artificial Intelligence (AI), investment partnerships, and a range of global security challenges. The White House confirmed the meeting will precede a working lunch with G7 leaders, outreach partners, and technology executives.

Notably, this will be the first bilateral between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi following last year's Operation Sindoor against Pakistan — making the agenda and tone of the meeting particularly significant for regional security watchers.

India's Presence and Modi's Arrival Statement

Modi travelled to Evian at the personal invitation of President Macron. Upon arrival, he underscored India's multilateral commitment: '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.

With the Trump bilateral and further outreach sessions ahead on Wednesday, New Delhi's diplomatic bandwidth at Evian is set to intensify in the coming hours.