Why does the G7 summit matter for India? Inside Modi's most important meetings in Evian

India has been regularly invited to G7 outreach sessions in recent years, reflecting its growing role in global governance and economic affairs. India isn't a G7 member — yet no recent summit has felt complete without it.

PM Modi was prominently positioned next to US President Donald Trump and French President Macron during the official leaders' photograph at the G7 Summit in Evian — a moment signifying India's growing prominence in global affairs.

The Modi-Trump meeting marked the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders in more than sixteen months, underscoring the continuing importance of India-US strategic relations. H-1B visas and trade were expected on the table.

PM Modi attended the summit to represent India's interests and the concerns of the Global South, stating ahead of the summit that India would voice the aspirations of developing countries on sustainable development, growth, and global cooperation.

The crisis in West Asia and concerns over the security of maritime trade routes figured prominently in Modi's bilateral engagements at the summit, as India pushed for dialogue and closer strategic cooperation with key partners.

In separate meetings with UK PM Keir Starmer, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Canadian PM Mark Carney, Modi reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global developments amid instability in West Asia and Ukraine.

This marked the third meeting between Modi and the UAE President this year — reflecting the growing depth of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Modi also invited the UAE President to attend the BRICS summit India will host later this year.

Modi's presence at G7 summits has often been described as "particularly meaningful" — and this marks one of several consecutive years of Indian participation, with Canadian PM Carney once calling India's regular presence "a testament to the importance of India and PM Modi.