Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join leaders from the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates at a West Asia-focused meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit next week, according to French diplomatic sources.The discussions are expected to focus on regional stability and the impact of ongoing conflicts on global trade and maritime security, ANI reported.French sources stressed the importance of maintaining free navigation in the region, noting that while many countries are not directly involved in the conflict, its consequences are being felt globally.“We are not part of the war, but it has an impact on all of us,” the sources said, underlining concerns over disruptions to key shipping routes and broader economic repercussions.France calls India a ‘top priority’ partnerHighlighting India’s participation at the summit, French diplomatic sources described New Delhi as a “top priority” partner and said India had been invited to join all G7 discussion tracks.They also emphasised the strong level of trust between the two countries and expressed confidence in India’s growing role on the global stage, particularly as the current chair of BRICS.The sources also recalled the success of India’s G20 presidency, saying France continues to view India as an important voice in shaping international solutions.Defence ties beyond buyer-seller relationshipOn defence cooperation, French diplomatic sources said the relationship with India goes beyond a traditional buyer-seller arrangement.“It is not a client-customer relationship. It is equal to equal,” the sources said, adding that future defence agreements would continue to incorporate the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reflecting deeper technology-sharing and industrial collaboration between the two countries.The June 15 to 17 summit, to be held across Lake Geneva in the French town of Evian-les-Bains, will bring together leaders from the world’s major economies, including US President Donald Trump, alongside other high-level delegations.The Group of seven countries are Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.
