Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Mumbai:
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 52nd G7 Summit in 2026, which will be hosted by France in Evian.
During a press statement in Mumbai, Macron said that 2026 will be a key year for India-France relations, as India will chair the BRICS Summit, while France will chair the G7. He described this as a major opportunity to strengthen cooperation and build common solutions for global challenges.
Macron also proposed holding an ad hoc India-France meeting a few weeks before the G7 Summit. He said the goal of this meeting would be to reach concrete agreements on the international agenda, and work together on resolving major global imbalances before the Evian Summit.
The French President also announced that both countries will organise a special “innovation moment” focused on youth. This segment will bring together young people from top Indian universities and research centres, along with youth from France, Europe, and G7 countries. The aim is to encourage innovation and find solutions to global problems.
Macron further stressed that the India-France partnership is stable, predictable, and results-driven, and should become stronger in areas such as research cooperation, student exchanges, and trade. He said India and France have already delivered strong global outcomes in sectors like solar energy, major infrastructure connectivity, and artificial intelligence.
According to the joint statement by India and France, PM Modi welcomed the invitation and highlighted India’s long association with the G7. He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to constructive global discussions on key issues such as:
Both leaders expressed confidence that India’s participation in the G7 Summit would strengthen global efforts and support a more balanced, inclusive, and resilient international order. They also underlined the importance of collective action, especially on macroeconomic challenges.
Macron also recalled a separate invitation extended jointly with Kenya President William Ruto for PM Modi to attend the ‘Africa Forward’ Summit in Nairobi on May 11 and 12. PM Modi thanked for the invitation and reaffirmed India’s support in areas of shared interest, including energy transition, artificial intelligence, health, agriculture, and the blue economy.
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