On sidelines of G-7 Summit, PM Modi meets leaders from France, Germany, South Korea & Vietnam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Hiroshima for the G-7 Summit being hosted by Japan, met several world leaders on the sidelines of the meeting on Saturday (May 20, 2023). These included French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. He also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and conveyed India's clear support for dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward. FURTHER MOMENTUM TO INDIA-FRANCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP While in Hiroshima, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders discussed PM Modi’s forthcoming visit to France for Bastille Day and took stock of the progress in India-France Strategic Partnership, according to information shared on Twitter by MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. "Talks covered a broad range of issues including cooperation in trade & economic spheres; civil aviation; renewables; culture; co-production and manufacturing in defence sector; civil nuclear cooperation. They agreed to expand the partnership to newer domains," Bagchi added. GERMANY'S SUPPORT FOR INDIA'S G-20 PRESIDENCY Prime Minister Modi met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral relations. "Glad to have met my friend, @Bundeskanzler @OlafScholz on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in Hiroshima," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. According to a tweet by MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, the leaders reviewed and positively assessed the progress in bilateral relations. They also exchanged views on regional developments and global challenges. "PM welcomed Germany’s support for the India-EU trade and investment agreements, and for India’s G20 Presidency," the tweet added. REVIEW OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH SOUTH KOREA In the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, the two leaders reviewed the progress of India – Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership. According to information provided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas of trade & investment, high technology, IT hardware manufacturing, defense, semiconductors and culture. The leaders noted that both countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year, and agreed to enhance their cooperation further. The South Korean President appreciated the Indian Prime Minister’s leadership of the G-20 and conveyed his support. Prime Minister Modi looked forward to President Yoon's visit to India for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September this year, the MEA said. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the Republic of Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy and the importance attached to India in it. The leaders also had a positive exchange of views on regional developments, the MEA added. DISCUSSIONS ON STEADY PROGRESS IN INDIA-VIETNAM RELATIONS Prime Minister Modi also met Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, in Hiroshima on the sidelines of G-7 Summit. According to the MEA, the two leaders noted the steady progress achieved in bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They agreed to enhance high level exchanges and deepen bilateral trade and investment ties. “They also discussed opportunities in the fields of defence, building resilient supply chains, energy, science and technology, human resource development, culture & people to people ties,” the MEA added. Additionally, the leaders had a positive exchange of views on regional developments. They also discussed ASEAN and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi briefed Prime Minister Chinh about India's G-20 Presidency and the primacy given by India to highlight the perspectives and concerns of the Global South. Prime Minister Modi also met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "Wonderful conversation with @UN Secretary General @antonioguterres in Hiroshima," he tweeted.