Modi-Trump Meeting on G7 Sidelines
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France on Monday, discussing trade, defense cooperation, and the ongoing Iran peace negotiations. The meeting came during Modi five-day European tour that has seen India deepen ties with multiple European nations.
Slovakia Backs India UNSC Permanent Seat
In a significant diplomatic victory, Slovakia formally backed India bid for permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council during Modi visit to Bratislava. The two countries elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini stating that the UNSC cannot remain representative of 1945 power structures.
India Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, reinforced the message in New York, warning that UNSC reform "would border on failure if only the non-permanent category is expanded." India has campaigned for permanent UNSC membership for over two decades, arguing that a body without representation from the world most populous democracy lacks legitimacy.
White Double Cross: Slovakia Highest Honor for Modi
President Pellegrini conferred Slovakia highest civilian award, The Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), on Prime Minister Modi — the 33rd international honor bestowed on him by a foreign government. The ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava also featured an exhibition centered on Varanasi, with works by Slovak artists who recently visited the city.
"A Banaras connect in Bratislava," Modi posted on social media, highlighting the cultural exhibition alongside the diplomatic achievements of the visit.
India Growing European Footprint
The Slovakia leg follows Modi high-profile launch of the Bharat Innovates 2026 initiative in France, where 120 Indian deeptech startups are now gaining global exposure. India European diplomatic push reflects its strategy of diversifying partnerships beyond traditional allies, with technology, trade, and security cooperation forming the three pillars of engagement.
The G7 summit also saw discussions on AI governance, with growing recognition that geopolitical competition in artificial intelligence — including US restrictions on foreign access to advanced AI models — requires multilateral frameworks that include voices from the Global South.
What Comes Next
India UNSC campaign now has explicit backing from multiple G7 and European nations. The real test will be whether the five permanent members — particularly China, which has historically been the primary obstacle — can be persuaded to accept reform that dilutes their veto power. Modi European tour continues with stops in additional nations before returning to New Delhi later this week.
