What happened?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) participated in the outreach session on energy security at the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. He called for universal access to clean energy, responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), and greater attention to the needs of the Global South. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is India’s top priority, underpinned by principles of availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability. He underscored India’s clean energy initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance , noting that India has fulfilled its Paris climate commitments ahead of schedule and renewable energy accounts for around 50% of its total installed capacity. He stressed India’s responsibility to amplify the concerns of the Global South, particularly regarding the impact of uncertainty and conflicts on food, fuel, fertiliser, and finance. On AI, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the need for global cooperation to build governance frameworks that encourage innovation while addressing risks like deepfakes, suggesting mandatory watermarking for AI-generated content. He also condemned the recent Pahalgam terror attack, describing it as an attack on humanity and democratic values, and urged the global community to adopt a consistent and firm stance against terror networks, with no “double standards”.
Why it matters to India
Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the G7 Summit outreach session provides a crucial platform for India to influence global discussions on energy security, technology, and sustainable development. His emphasis on universal access to clean energy and India’s rapid progress in renewable energy positions India as a leader in climate action and green initiatives, vital for global environmental sustainability and India’s own energy independence. Advocating for the Global South’s priorities reinforces India’s role as a voice for developing nations, addressing critical issues like food and fuel security that disproportionately affect these countries. By calling for global governance frameworks for AI and addressing deepfake risks, India contributes to shaping responsible technological advancements that can benefit common people while mitigating potential harms. His strong condemnation of terrorism and call for concerted global action underscores India’s unwavering commitment to combating this threat and seeking accountability from state sponsors of terrorism.