The crisis in West Asia and concerns over the security of maritime trade routes figured prominently in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian on Tuesday, as India pushed for dialogue and closer strategic cooperation with key partners.
In separate meetings with British 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 growing instability in West Asia and the continuing conflict in Ukraine.
During talks with the UAE President, the two leaders called for free, safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global energy supplies and trade.
Underscoring the need for diplomacy, Modi stressed the importance of dialogue and respect for international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity in ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region.
This marked the third meeting between the two leaders this year, reflecting the growing depth of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They reviewed progress in cooperation across technology, trade, investment, energy and defence following the UAE President’s visit to India in January and Modi’s trip to the Gulf nation in May. Modi also invited the UAE President to attend the BRICS summit to be hosted by India later this year.
In his meeting with Starmer, Modi discussed developments in West Asia and Ukraine and reviewed progress under the India-UK Vision 2035 roadmap.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over growing cooperation in trade, defence, green energy, technology and education and looked forward to the early implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
They also welcomed the strengthening of educational links, with the University of Liverpool set to establish a campus in Bengaluru and the Universities of York and Bristol planning campuses in Mumbai.
Modi thanked Starmer for Britain’s strong participation in the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi earlier this year and welcomed progress under the India-UK Technology Security Initiative, including the launch of the India-UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory.
In another key meeting, Modi and Carney sought to accelerate the ongoing reset in bilateral ties, reaffirming their commitment to conclude negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of the year.
The two leaders reviewed cooperation in energy, including LNG, LPG and metallurgical coal, and underlined the importance of resilient supply chains for strengthening global energy and food security.
Seeking closer security ties, India and Canada agreed to launch negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement, which will facilitate deeper defence and intelligence cooperation.
The two sides also announced the creation of “Raisina Americas”, a new platform aimed at promoting dialogue and cooperation. Modi also thanked Carney for inviting him to Canada later this year and the two leaders agreed to remain engaged to finalise dates for the visit.
Besides the bilateral meetings, Modi held a series of pull-aside interactions with several world leaders attending the summit.
He met Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi, and noted that India and Japan would continue to deepen cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.
Modi also interacted with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and said the two countries were working together in trade, commerce and other futuristic sectors.
The PM also met Kenyan President William Ruto and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Africa and advancing the aspirations of the Global South. He also held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, describing India-Egypt ties as a long-standing friendship.
