G-7 – INTERNATIONAL
News: Countries should respect sovereignty and territorial integrity: PM Modi
at G-7 meet
What is in the news?
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At the G-7 meeting held
in Hiroshima, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to do
“everything” to bring an end to the war in Ukraine and said all countries
should “respect” sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the member states of the United Nations.
Importance of the G-7 for India;
1. Counter China's Dominance:
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India now can’t escape
the conclusion that China is the greatest obstacle to India’s global
aspirations.
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Thus, forming a western
pivot which includes strong bilateral strategic cooperation with the US, France,
UK, EU as well as the Quad can help India counter China.
2. Strategic Importance:
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Diplomatically, a seat at
the high table could help New Delhi further its security and foreign policy
interests, especially at the nuclear club and UN Security Council reform as
well as protecting its interests in the Indian Ocean.
3. Trade and Investment:
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All the G-7 countries are
well developed countries, but India's bilateral trade relations are poor except
the US. This forum will be a better opportunity to engage more with these
countries and can get more trade and investments, market access.
4. Multilateralism:
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India always advocates
for multilateralism and better engagement with the G-7 will help India to
promote reforms in the United Nations Security Council, World Trade
Organization, etc.
5. Global Governance:
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Active engagement with
the G7 enables India to participate in discussions, share its perspectives,
contribute solutions, and collaborate with like-minded nations in addressing
these challenges effectively.
6. G-7 to G-11:
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U.S. President Donald
Trump announced that the G-7 of the world’s most developed nations was
“outdated” and proposed to expand it.
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Now, the move to invite India, Australia, South Africa and South
Korea to this can be seen as a possible step onwards upgradation of G-7 to
G-11.
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The idea of a G-11 also
can emerge as a global democratic coalition and India is at the very heart of
this narrative.
Challenges to India for actively engaging with G-7:
1. India's Non-Membership in the forum:
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India is not a formal
member of the G-7. As a non-member, India does not have direct participation in
decision-making processes and discussions within the G-7.
2. India's Limited Influence:
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While India is a major global
player with a growing economy, it faces challenges in exerting significant
influence within the G-7 due to the dominant role of its member countries.
3. Coordination with Other International
Forums:
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India is actively
involved in various regional and international forums like BRICS, G20, SCO, and
ASEAN.
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Managing coordination and
engagement with multiple forums while actively participating in G-7 discussions
can pose challenges in terms of resource allocation and maintaining a
consistent approach.
4. Divergent Priorities:
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The G-7 countries often
prioritize issues and agendas that may not align completely with India's
priorities.
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There may be differences
in approaches to trade, climate change, security, and other global challenges,
which can hinder effective engagement and collaboration.
5. Group against Russia:
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The priorities and
agendas of the forum are completely against Russia. All the G-7 countries have
imposed sanctions against Russia. As a regular member in this forum, it will
hamper the relationship between Russia and India.
WAY FORWARD:
1. Fulfill the Commitments:
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The G7 countries should
expeditiously fulfill their commitment to supply one billion doses of Covid
vaccines to poor and middle-income countries.
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The doses would be
supplied as part of a campaign to “vaccinate the world” by the end of 2022.
2. Exploring Mutual Interests:
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India can engage in
proactive and sustained diplomatic efforts to foster closer ties with G-7
countries to promote understanding and explore areas of mutual interest.
3. Improving Bilateral Relations:
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Bilateral collaborations
can serve as building blocks for broader engagement with the G-7 as a whole. So,
India should improve its bilateral relationship with all the G-7 countries and
weed out bilateral problems.
4. More Cooperation Trade & Investment:
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India's economic
potential and market size make it an attractive partner for G-7 countries.
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India can work towards
enhancing economic cooperation, promoting trade and investment, and exploring
avenues for technology transfer and collaboration in sectors such as renewable
energy, digital innovation, and infrastructure development.
5. Multilateral Cooperation:
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India should cleverly
balance the relationship with multiple forums and the membership in these forums
should not hamper the bilateral relationship with other countries.
G-7:
About:
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It is an
intergovernmental organization that was formed in 1975.
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The bloc meets annually
to discuss issues of common interest like global economic governance, international
security and energy policy.
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UK,
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US.
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All the G7 countries and
India are a part of G20.
Headquarters:
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The G7 does not have a
formal charter or a secretariat. The presidency, which rotates among member
countries each year, is in charge of setting the agenda.