Overview
On Day 2 of the G7 Summit in Evian, leaders discussed security risks from AI and social media. Tech CEOs Sam Altman, Dario Amodei, and Arthur Mensch joined the talks. PM Modi held bilateral meetings with UK and UAE leaders. Meanwhile, President Putin hosted an ASEAN summit in Russia, countering Western unity.
Day 2 of the G7 Summit
On 17 June 2026, the second day of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, focused on critical digital security issues. Leaders of the world's seven advanced economies—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—discussed the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and social media. The day began with a working session on reviving balanced, inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Later, tech CEOs joined the leaders for lunch to discuss AI governance. Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi held key bilateral meetings with UK and UAE leaders on the sidelines.
The Digital Session: AI and Social Media Under Scrutiny
The G7 leaders devoted a special session to the security risks posed by AI and social media. For the first time, top AI executives were invited to join the discussion. The leaders were joined by:
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Sam Altman , CEO of OpenAI (maker of ChatGPT)
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Dario Amodei , CEO of Anthropic
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Arthur Mensch , CEO of Mistral AI (European rival)
The leaders discussed how AI can be misused for spreading disinformation, cyberattacks, and undermining democratic processes. They also talked about the need for global rules to ensure AI is safe, transparent, and accountable. The European Union's AI Act, which came into effect in 2024, served as a reference point. The leaders agreed to work towards a common framework for AI governance.
The Broader Agenda: Wars and Economic Stability
The three-day summit was heavily influenced by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. On Day 1, leaders agreed to intensify pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine. US President Donald Trump said Russia should "make a deal". The G7 also discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a ceasefire.
However, the summit was overshadowed by a parallel event. Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a summit of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders in Kazan, Russia, on the same days. This was seen as a move to counter Western unity and show that Russia still has international partners.
PM Modi's Bilateral Meetings
India-UK Meeting: Trade and Technology
On the sidelines of the G7 Summit, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The leaders discussed the India-UK trade deal, which was signed earlier but has not yet been operationalised. Modi said, "The trade deal has opened many avenues of economic cooperation." They also talked about technology, education, and people-to-people ties. The UK has been a key partner in India's digital transformation.
India-UAE Meeting: Strategic Partnership Deepens
PM Modi also met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meeting focused on the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They discussed trade, investment, and energy cooperation. A major topic was the West Asia crisis, including the impact of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on global trade. Modi expressed concern that several Indian civilians had lost their lives in the conflict. Both leaders called for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Indo-Pacific Push
The G7 Summit also saw efforts to strengthen ties with the Indo-Pacific region. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Indian PM Modi were among the guest leaders invited to the summit. The leaders discussed ways to counter China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. There was also talk of expanding the Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) to include more partners like South Korea.
A Human Touch: The Human Cost of Conflict
Behind the diplomatic talks and technical sessions, there was a human dimension. PM Modi expressed his deep concern over the loss of Indian lives in West Asia. He said, "Several Indian civilians lost their lives in the conflict. We are doing everything to ensure the safety of our citizens." This reminder of the human cost of war added a somber note to the summit.
Conclusion
The G7 Summit 2026 was a mix of high-level diplomacy and strategic posturing. Leaders tackled the urgent challenges of AI governance, global conflicts, and economic instability. PM Modi's bilateral meetings strengthened India's ties with key partners. However, the parallel Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan showed that the world remains deeply divided. As the summit ended, the leaders returned to their countries, carrying with them both agreements and unresolved tensions.
Exam-Focused Points
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G7 Summit 2026: Hosted in Evian, France, from 15-17 June 2026.
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G7 members: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA.
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Day 2 focus: Security risks from AI and social media.
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Tech CEOs invited: Sam Altman (OpenAI), Dario Amodei (Anthropic), Arthur Mensch (Mistral AI).
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Key topics discussed: AI governance, disinformation, cyber threats, and economic growth.
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PM Modi's bilateral meetings: Met UK PM Keir Starmer and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 16 June 2026.
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India-UK talks: Focused on operationalising the trade deal and strengthening technology cooperation.
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India-UAE talks: Focused on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the West Asia crisis.
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West Asia crisis: Modi expressed concern over the Strait of Hormuz disruptions and loss of Indian civilian lives.
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Parallel event: Russia hosted an ASEAN summit in Kazan on 17-18 June 2026, marking 35 years of Russia-ASEAN relations.
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Russia-ASEAN summit: Attended by representatives of 11 ASEAN countries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What was the main focus of Day 2 of the G7 Summit?
A: Day 2 focused on the security risks posed by AI and social media. Tech CEOs joined the leaders for a special lunch session to discuss AI governance.
Q2: Which tech CEOs attended the G7 Summit?
A: Sam Altman (OpenAI), Dario Amodei (Anthropic), and Arthur Mensch (Mistral AI) attended the lunch with G7 leaders.
Q3: What bilateral meetings did PM Modi hold at the G7 Summit?
A: PM Modi met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 16 June 2026.
Q4: What is the Russia-ASEAN summit?
A: It is a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders of ASEAN countries, held in Kazan, Russia, from 17-18 June 2026, to commemorate 35 years of Russia-ASEAN relations.
Q5: What is the G7's stance on the Ukraine war?
A: The G7 leaders agreed to intensify pressure on Russia to end the war. US President Donald Trump said Russia should "make a deal".