PM Modi to Represent Global South at G7 Summit

PM Modi to Voice Global South at G7 Summit

Why in the News ?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Canada to attend the G7 Outreach Summit, where he aims to highlight the concerns of the Global South and engage in key bilateral talks, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions involving Russia and Iran.

PM Modi to Represent Global South at G7 Summit

India’s Agenda and Global South Priorities:

  • PM Modi reached Calgary to attend the G7 Outreach Summit in Kananaskis, hosted by Canadian PM Mark Carney.
  • Modi emphasized India will raise the priorities of the Global South during summit discussions.
  • The summit themes include:

○ Protecting global communities

○ Building energy security and digital transition

○ Forging future partnerships

Key Diplomatic Engagements

  • Modi will hold bilateral meetings with leaders of Germany, Canada, Ukraine, and Italy.
  • He has already met South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
  • The Modi-Zelenskyy meeting is crucial ahead of Russian President Putin’s visit to India for the annual summit.
  • Discussions with Ukraine are expected to shape the India-Russia talks, especially amid ongoing war dynamics.

Global Context and US Position

  • US President Donald Trump exited the summit early, amid rising tensions in the Gulf region.
  • Trump supported expanding G7 to a potential ‘G9’ by including Russia and China.
  • He criticized Russia’s exclusion from G7, calling it a “very big mistake”, and hinted that such decisions have worsened global conflicts.
  • His remarks added to the strategic complexities surrounding the summit discussions.
  • A Congress leader targets the government’s approach, suggesting that delay risks alienating potential allies.

What is G7?

● G7 stands for Group of Seven, comprising the world’s most advanced and developed economies.

● Members include France, Germany, Italy, UK, Japan, USA, and Canada.

● Origin: Emerged from the 1973 Oil Crisis, with the first summit held in 1975 by six nations.

● Canada joined in 1976, forming the G7.

● Became G8 in 1997 with Russia’s inclusion.

● Reverted to G7 in 2014 after Russia’s expulsion for annexing Crimea.

● It is an informal forum to discuss global issues like climate change, trade, security, and economic policy.