The Congress criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming trip to Italy, suggesting it’s aimed at bolstering his waning international reputation at the G7 Summit. Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary, highlighted the historical context of the summit, noting its inception in the late 1970s and Russia’s participation until 2014. He also mentioned the inclusion of additional countries like India, China, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa since 2003.

Ramesh emphasized India’s significant participation in the 2007 G7 Summit in Helligendamm, Germany, where the Singh-Merkel formula for equitable global climate change negotiations was introduced. He lauded Dr. Manmohan Singh and German Chancellor Angela Merkel for their impactful roles, contrasting it with what he perceived as Modi’s lack of historical awareness or acknowledgment.

Accompanied by a delegation, Modi’s journey to Italy for the summit’s outreach session on June 14 marks his first international trip in his third term as prime minister. The G7 summit, scheduled from June 13 to 15 at the opulent Borgo Egnazia resort in Italy’s Apulia region, is expected to focus on pressing global issues such as the Ukrainian conflict and the Gaza situation.