During the G7 outreach session on 17th June 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed an International Mobilisation Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade or IMPACT initiative, by combining G7 capital, India’s talent and the ownership of Global South countries. Addressing the Outreach Session at the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, on 17 June 2026, PM Modi urged world leaders to rethink traditional measures of progress.
In his address at the Outreach Session on ‘Reviving a Balanced, Shared and Sustainable Economic Growth for All’, in Evian, PM Modi said that “when it comes to growth, the question should not be about GDP or trade numbers.”
“At the G7 Summit in Evian, addressed the Outreach Session on ‘Reviving a Balanced, Shared and Sustainable Economic Growth for All.’ It is good that the French G7 Presidency has given importance to this topic. The reality today is- when it comes to growth, the question should not be about GDP or trade numbers. The real question is – Growth for whom, with whom and in what direction?” PM Modi said.
A major suggestion from the Prime Minister was the creation of the International Mobilisation Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade, or IMPACT. He drew inspiration from the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC. “Like the vision of IMEC, can we work on connectivity projects with countries in Africa, Latin America and the Pacific Islands?” PM Modi asked.
He proposed combining G7 capital with India’s human talent and the ownership of Global South countries. This framework would help develop connectivity projects. It would boost trade, build resilient supply chains, and promote shared prosperity in vulnerable economies.
He noted that the world today suffers from a shortage of trust rather than a shortage of resources. PM Modi called for a shift in approach, saying said the world must move away from the old donor-recipient model. Instead, it should embrace partnerships based on solidarity and equality. Developing countries must have real ownership and agency in these initiatives.
PM Modi highlighted India’s story rooted in inclusion, scale and democratic empowerment. He added that this approach is reflected not only in domestic policymaking but also in India’s G20 Presidency, the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and more.
Today, many societies are becoming ageing societies while India and other countries of the Global South have abundance of young talent, entrepreneurship and skills.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2026
To harness this natural complementarity, called for the creation a Global Skills Partnership, where we can work…
“India’s experience demonstrates that shared development can help transform aspiration into reality. India’s growth story is one of inclusion, scale and democratic empowerment. It is inspired by ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all, Efforts by all). And, it has been reflected on countless occasions such as India’s G20 Presidency, the launch of India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and more,” PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister also raised serious concerns about maritime security. He spoke about the tragic loss of Indian lives amid conflicts in West Asia. “Many Indians have lost their lives,” he noted. He emphasised that the safety of seafarers is a collective global responsibility. Secure sea lanes are essential for uninterrupted global trade and economic stability. The Prime Minister further stated that the West Asia crisis will continue to impact the Global South for a considerable period. Thus, the most vulnerable countries should not be “left to bear the burden of these crises alone.”
“The disruptions in fuel, fertiliser and food supply chains caused by the crisis in West Asia will continue to impact the Global South for a considerable period. If we genuinely seek to strengthen international solidarity, the most vulnerable countries should not be left to bear the burden of these crises alone. Our international financial institutions should develop support mechanisms that help developing countries absorb these shocks and maintain their economic resilience,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi’s participation at the G7 summit in France marks India’s eighth consecutive invitation to the G7 Summit. It reflects the country’s growing role as a strong voice for the Global South. On the sidelines, he held several bilateral meetings, including a scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump.
