Jubilee Post News & Views
Special Desk
World leaders are gathering in the Cornish resort of Carbis Bay, for face-to-face meetings at the summit of G7 nations, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Outreach Sessions of the G7 Summit on June 12 and June 13, in virtual format. The invitation has come from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The G7 comprises the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan. The UK currently holds the presidency of the G7 and has invited India, along with Australia, Republic of Korea and South Africa, as guest countries for the summit. Since 2014, this is the second time PM Modi will be participating in a G7 meeting and India has a lot to watch out for in the summit.
India has long called for reforming global institutions and groupings to reflect modern-day geopolitical realities. With an assertive China looming, if Biden and Johnson want to take the leap forward and constitute a global democratic alliance of 10-11 countries, it will be an important signal for India.
As India faces a massive shortage of vaccines, it will be watching the allocation announced by the US President very carefully. Last week, the US had said that it will distribute vaccines to India as part of it’s strategy for global vaccine sharing.
On Washington’s rapprochement with Moscow, New Delhi will be extremely relieved as the US can then focus on China. While that is easier said than done, drawing away Russia from Beijing could be one of the game-changers in current geo-politics.
The theme for the summit is ‘Build Back Better’ and the UK has outlined four priority areas for its presidency. These are leading the global recovery from coronavirus while strengthening resilience against future pandemics; promoting future prosperity by championing free and fair trade, tackling climate change and preserving the planet’s biodiversity, and championing shared values and open societies.
Among them are Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, and President Biden, who is making his first foreign visit since taking office. The G7 (Group of Seven) is an organisation of the world’s seven largest so-called advanced economies. They are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the United States. Russia joined in 1998, creating the G8, but was excluded in 2014 for its takeover of Crimea.
China has never been a member, despite its large economy and having the world’s biggest population. Its relatively low level of wealth per person means it is not seen as an advanced economy in the way the G7 members are.
Representatives from the European Union are present while India, South Korea and Australia have also been invited this year.
The UK government said it was important for world leaders to meet in person and regular Covid testing would take place.
The agenda starts with a dinner at the Eden Project, attended by the Queen and members of the Royal Family. The main topic of conversation for the rest of the summit is Covid recovery, including a stronger global health system that can protect us all from future pandemics. The agenda also includes climate change and trade.
Boris Johnson has already held talks with President Biden face to face. They covered topics including the President’s concerns over the peace in Northern Ireland.
Most of the conversations take place behind closed doors, but there are set-piece moments on camera – including the obligatory leaders’ photo.
