President William Ruto used the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France, to strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic and economic ties with key global leaders, holding a series of high-level meetings focused on trade, investment, development financing, food security and international cooperation.

The meetings underscored Kenya’s growing influence on the global stage as Ruto sought to position the country as a strategic partner for both developed and emerging economies while championing the interests of the Global South.

1. Narendra Modi (India)

One of Ruto’s first bilateral engagements was with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between Kenya and India.

“We value the longstanding relations between Kenya and India and remain committed to strengthening this partnership for the benefit of our people,” Ruto said after the meeting.

The President said the two countries agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and continue working together in international forums to advance the aspirations of developing nations.

“We reaffirmed our commitment to deepening bilateral ties and working together in multilateral forums to advance the aspirations of the Global South, including inclusive growth, sustainable development and a more equitable international order,” he said.

India remains one of Kenya’s largest trading partners, with strong cooperation in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, agriculture, technology and infrastructure development.

2. Volodymyr Zelensky (Ukraine)

Ruto also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid ongoing efforts by the international community to find a lasting solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Kenyan leader reiterated Nairobi’s support for a peaceful resolution of the war through diplomacy and adherence to international law.

“Kenya supports efforts to advance a peaceful resolution to the Russia–Ukraine conflict through dialogue, diplomacy and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter,” Ruto said.

The leaders reviewed progress in Kenya-Ukraine relations and explored new areas of cooperation, particularly in agriculture and food security.

Significantly, Ruto announced that Kenya and Ukraine had agreed to accelerate plans for the establishment of a grain hub at the Port of Mombasa.

“We also agreed to fast-track plans for the establishment of a grain hub at the Port of Mombasa to strengthen regional food security and help address supply shortages across East Africa,” he said.

The proposed facility is expected to enhance grain imports and strengthen food supply chains across the region.

3. Ajay Banga (World Bank)

The President also held talks with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, focusing on Kenya’s development agenda and reforms to the global financial system.

Ruto praised the World Bank’s role in supporting projects aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities.

“The World Bank has been an important partner in Kenya’s development, supporting investments that are improving livelihoods, expanding economic opportunity and strengthening resilience,” he said.

The discussions centred on mobilising greater investment for sustainable growth and increasing access to affordable financing for developing countries.

Ruto also welcomed the institution’s support for reforms to the international financial architecture.

“I also welcomed the World Bank’s support for reforms to the international financial architecture that will expand access to capital, strengthen resilience and better reflect the realities and aspirations of developing countries,” he noted.

The meeting aligns with Kenya’s broader push for reforms aimed at reducing borrowing costs and increasing development financing for African countries.

4. Friedrich Merz (Germany)

Ruto’s diplomatic engagements also included talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with discussions focusing on expanding economic cooperation between Kenya and Germany.

The President highlighted growing collaboration in trade and investment, renewable energy, agriculture, digital transformation and support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Kenya and Germany enjoy strong diplomatic relations founded on shared interests,” Ruto said.

He added that the bilateral labour agreement between the two countries continues to create employment opportunities for Kenyan professionals seeking work in Germany.

“We are deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, agriculture, digital transformation, and micro, small, and medium enterprise development, for the benefit of our peoples. Our bilateral labour agreement continues to expand access to quality jobs for our professionals.”

Germany remains one of Kenya’s most important development and trade partners in Europe.

5. Donald Trump (United States)

Ruto also shared a light moment with United States President Donald Trump during a social event held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, highlighting the cordial relations between Kenya and the United States.

Photographs released from the summit showed the two leaders interacting during an evening gathering attended by heads of state, government officials and invited guests.

Although no formal bilateral meeting between the two leaders was announced, the encounter came against the backdrop of deepening Kenya-US relations in recent years. The two countries continue to cooperate in trade, security, technology, climate action and investment.

The United States remains one of Kenya’s largest strategic partners, with Washington recently elevating its relationship with Nairobi through expanded economic and security cooperation. Kenya is also a key US ally in East Africa, particularly in regional peace and security initiatives.

The interaction with Trump added to a series of high-level engagements Ruto held during the summit as he sought to strengthen Kenya’s global partnerships and attract investment to support the country’s development agenda.

Diplomacy beyond boardrooms

Beyond formal meetings, Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto joined other world leaders and their spouses at a cultural evening held at La Source Vive Theatre within the Évian Resort.

The event featured performances by international artists and a children’s choir.

“A memorable evening at La Source Vive, where four international artists and a children’s choir came together for a stirring musical performance for Heads of Delegation and their spouses attending the G7+ Summit,” Ruto said.

He described the performance as a reminder of the role culture plays in building connections between nations.

“Set within the elegant atmosphere of the theatre and illuminated by the warmth of the evening, the performance transcended borders, reminding us of our shared humanity and the power of culture to bring people together.”

Kenya’s growing global profile

The meetings came as Ruto used the G7 Summit platform to advocate for stronger partnerships between developed economies and Africa, greater access to development financing and reforms to global institutions.

His engagements with leaders from India, Germany, Ukraine and the World Bank reflected Kenya’s efforts to diversify strategic partnerships while positioning itself as a key voice for Africa and the broader Global South in international affairs.

As the summit continues, the discussions are expected to shape future cooperation on trade, investment, climate action, food security and development financing, areas that remain central to Kenya’s economic transformation agenda.