US Prez Trump invites PM Modi to G7 summit; Modi distressed over violence in the US

Prime Minister  Narendra Modi and  United States President Donald Trump have updated each other on their assessment of the post-COVID-19 world. The POTUS, who is for enlarging the group of seven nations to include India and other nations calling the grouping not representative in the global scenario, has invited to PM Modi to attend the next G-7 meeting proposed to be held coinciding with the 75th United Nations General Assembly Session from  15 to 30 September in New York. Russia, which is also is of the view that the grouping lacks representation of the emerging world, has however declined to be its full-fledged member. In 2019, PM Modi attended  G-7  conclave in France at the invitation of French President  Emmanuel Macron. Both Macron and Trump consider Modi their friends speaking highly of him. During a telephonic conversation on Tuesday, June 02, President Trump spoke about the US Presidency of the G-7 and conveyed his desire to expand the ambit of the grouping beyond the existing membership, to include other important countries including India. Prime Minister Modi commended President Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post-COVID world. The Prime Minister has said that India would be happy to work with the US and other countries to ensure the success of the proposed Summit. According to an official statement, PM Modi expressed concern regarding the ongoing civil disturbances in the US and conveyed his best wishes for an early resolution of the situation. During the phone call, Prime Minister Modi expressed concern regarding the ongoing civil disturbances in the US and conveyed his best wishes for an early resolution of the situation. They also exchanged views on other topical issues such as the COVID-19 situation in the two countries, the situation on the India-China border, and the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation. The richness and depth of India-US consultations will remain an important pillar of the post-COVID global architecture. President Trump warmly recalled his visit to India in February this year. Prime Minister Modi said that the visit had been memorable and historic on many accounts, and had also added new dynamism to the bilateral relationship. (edited by PK Chakravarty)