G7 Spotlight: Emmanuel Macron invites Narendra Modi for 2026 Summit

France will preside over the crucial meeting that will be held later in the year.

Sharing details about the invtiation, a Joint Statement issued following the meeting between the visiting French President and the Indian PM, said: "President Macron extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the G7 Summit to be hosted by France in 2026 and invited India to participate actively in the discussions and preparatory work ahead of the Summit, mainly on the key issues of tackling global macroeconomic imbalances and defining a new paradigm for international partnerships and solidarity."

As per the statement, Prime Minister Modi has warmly welcomed the invitation, noting India’s longstanding partnership with the G7 and its commitment to contributing constructively to global discussions on addressing global economic imbalances, development financing, international partnership, economic security, resilient supply chains, climate action and international security.

"Both leaders expressed confidence that India’s participation would further strengthen collective efforts to address global challenges and promote a more balanced, inclusive, and resilient international order," the statement said.

"Both leaders stressed the importance of collective efforts in order to address together global challenges, especially macroeconomic issues," the statement said.

Macron-Modi car diplomacy

In a symbolic display of “car diplomacy” and personal rapport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron travelled together in the same vehicle during the latter’s visit to Mumbai after holding wide-ranging talks to boost bilateral ties.

The two leaders shared an one-on-one conversation as they drove from Lok Bhavan to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, located near the Gateway of India.

The informal journey underscored the warmth and growing personal chemistry between the leaders, complementing the strong strategic partnership between India and France.

Such moments of direct engagement, often described as car diplomacy, have become a hallmark of Modi’s interactions with global leaders, reflecting trust and ease beyond formal engagements.

Before the drive, PM Modi on Monday held wide-ranging talks with Macron in Mumbai, marking a significant boost to bilateral relations between India and France.

The two leaders discussed cooperation across strategic, defence and security domains, as well as trade and investment, joint manufacturing, critical minerals supply chains, research and development, education, startups, health and skilling.