US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to potentially meet at the upcoming G7 Summit in Italy, according to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Sullivan indicated that while Biden anticipates Modi’s presence, formal confirmation from the Indian side is awaited. He noted that the specifics of their interaction are still flexible due to the dynamic nature of the summit’s schedule.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra confirmed Modi’s upcoming travel to Italy, marking his first foreign visit following his re-election. Italy has extended an invitation to India to participate in the 50th G7 Summit as an Outreach Country. Kwatra mentioned Modi’s scheduled meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and clarified that arrangements for other bilateral engagements are still under discussion.
During their journey to Italy, Sullivan mentioned that Biden had previously spoken with Modi to congratulate him on his electoral victory and third consecutive term as Prime Minister. Addressing a query about allegations involving an Indian official in a plot targeting a Sikh separatist leader, Sullivan affirmed that the US would continue to engage India at the highest levels to address the issue.
Overall, the upcoming summit presents an opportunity for Biden and Modi to engage bilaterally amidst ongoing discussions on various diplomatic fronts.