G7 summit: India’s Modi urges global diplomacy and legal order

G7 summit: India’s Modi urges global diplomacy and legal order
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit, in Evian-les-Bains, France, 16 June, 2026
Reuters

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday (16 June) that a lack of respect for international law remains the “biggest hurdle” to building international solidarity, as he addressed an outreach session at the G7 Summit in Evian.

Speaking during a session titled Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity, Modi called for global partnerships to move beyond what he described as a “donor-recipient” model and instead embrace shared responsibility and equal ownership.

“Lack of respect for international law is the biggest hurdle to building international solidarity, and it needs to be addressed as a priority,” Modi said.

He stressed that dialogue and diplomacy should remain central to international cooperation, arguing that sustainable peace depends on stronger multilateral engagement.

“In an uncertain world, trade and technology are being misused for narrow interests, leading to a trust deficit in the international arena,” he said.

Modi said India’s foreign policy continues to be guided by the principle of “humanity first,” which he said remains at the centre of New Delhi’s global engagement.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi also held bilateral meetings with Keir Starmer and Mark Carney.

Following talks with Starmer, Modi said the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, sports and investment.

“We also discussed how to increase investment linkages for the benefit of the people of our nations,” Modi wrote on X.

His meeting with Carney focused on the broader trajectory of India-Canada relations, which have faced tensions in recent years over diplomatic disputes and security concerns.

Modi’s remarks come as the G7 summit continues to grapple with multiple geopolitical crises, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, growing trade tensions and debates over reforming the global multilateral system.

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