G7 Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India's pioneering role in formulating a national strategy in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emphasised a human-centric approach toward a better future at the G7 Outreach session on Friday. Speaking at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to international governance in AI, a principle stressed during the G-20 Summit hosted by India last year.


"India is among the first few countries to formulate a national strategy in Artificial Intelligence," he said at the G7 Outreach session, as quoted by news agency PTI.


"It is our resolve to build a developed India by 2047; our commitment is that no section of society should be left behind," PM Modi declared, highlighting India's inclusive development agenda.


A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs noted, "Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Outreach Session on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy today. He congratulated the Group on its 50th anniversary milestone."




PM Modi expressed satisfaction at attending the Summit following his re-election in what he described as "the largest democratic exercise in the history of humankind." He emphasised that for technology to be successful, it had to be underpinned by a human-centric approach. "Talking of India’s AI Mission premised on 'AI for All', Prime Minister emphasised that this technology should be aimed at fostering progress and the well-being of all," the statement added.


Outlining India's energy strategy, PM Modi said, "Our approach in the field of energy is based on four principles: availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability." He reaffirmed India's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 and called for global participation in India's Mission LiFE [Lifestyle for Environment], including the "Plant4Mother" tree plantation campaign.


"We are making every possible effort to fulfil our commitment to achieve the target of Net Zero by 2070," he stated, urging collective efforts to usher in a 'Green Era'. "Together we should make efforts to make coming time a 'Green Era'," he added.


The Prime Minister also drew attention to the challenges faced by countries of the Global South amidst global uncertainties and tensions. "India has considered it its responsibility to put priorities and concerns of countries of the Global South on the world stage," he said, adding pride in India's role in making the African Union a permanent member of the G-20 under its presidency.


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PM Modi's Bilateral Meetings With French President Macron, Ukraine President Zelenskyy, And UK PM Rishi Sunak


On the sidelines of the G7 Summit, PM Modi held significant bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.


In his meeting with Macron, PM Modi conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming Paris Olympics. "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, and the Blue Economy. We also discussed encouraging innovation and research among the youth," PM Modi wrote on X.






Regarding his meeting with Sunak, PM Modi remarked, "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."






Assuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of India's support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, PM Modi stated, "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 that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy.”






This year's G7 Summit in Apulia marks India's 11th and PM Modi's fifth consecutive appearance at the event, where he expressed eagerness for productive discussions with world leaders. The G7 countries include the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and Britain, with leaders of the European Council and the European Commission also participating.


The G7 Summit visit is Modi's first trip abroad since assuming PM office for the third consecutive term