PM Modi meets Meloni, Macron, Zelenskyy and Pope as part of mega outreach programme in Italy

The summit is being held at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort in Italy's Apulia region. India has been invited to the G7 Summit as an Outreach country.

PM Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis and is scheduled to hold talks with them later. PM Modi and the Pope also shared a hug.

PM Meloni, meanwhile, welcomed Modi at Borgo Egnazia for the G7 summit.

Earlier, PM Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit when the Indian leader said dialogue and diplomacy are the only ways to end ongoing conflict with Russia.

"Had a very productive meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India is eager to further cement bilateral relations with Ukraine. Regarding the ongoing hostilities, reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy. @ZelenskyyUa," Modi posted on X.

Zelenskyy had wished Modi after he won the recently held Indian general polls.

Besides Zelenskyy, Modi met Rishi Sunak and discussed ways to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the third term of the NDA Government.

" It was a delight to meet PM @RishiSunak in Italy. I reiterated my commitment to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the third term of the NDA Government. There is great scope to deepen ties in sectors like semiconductors, technology and trade. We also talked about further cementing ties in the defence sector," Modi said.

He also met his 'friend' French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

"Had an excellent meeting with my friend President @EmmanuelMacron. This is our fourth meeting in one year, indicating the priority we accord to strong India-French ties. Our talks covered numerous subjects such as defence, security, technology, AI, Blue Economy and more. We also discussed how to encourage innovation and research among the youth. I conveyed my best wishes to him on the hosting of the Paris Olympics, which begins next month," he posted on X.

Day one of the summit was dominated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the leaders agreed on a US proposal to back a $ 50-billion loan to Kyiv utilising frozen Russian assets, described by US President Joe Biden as a "significant outcome" and a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In his departure speech from India, Modi said: "I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit."

"I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda," he said.

"We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," he said.