Context:
The recent G7 summit in picturesque Apulia, Italy, addressed significant shifts in global geopolitics and the evolving relationships among the world’s major powers. Amidst the attention-grabbing moments captured in photos—such as greetings, and dramatic arrivals—the summit injected vitality into what might otherwise be perceived as routine meetings and dinners among world leaders discussing shared interests.
Relevance:
GS2- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Mains Question:
Highlighting the major points of discussion in the recent G7 summit in Italy, discuss the significance of India for G7 and vice-versa. (10 Marks, 150 Words).
About the G7:
- The G7 is a consortium comprising the world’s most developed and advanced economies: France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, and Canada.
- It convenes annually, rotating its host among member nations, and includes leaders from significant international organizations like the European Union, IMF, World Bank, and United Nations.
- Originating from the 1973 Oil Crisis and ensuing financial turmoil, the G7 emerged when leaders of six major industrial nations—US, UK, France, West Germany, Japan, and Italy—gathered in 1975.
- Canada joined in 1976, formalizing the group as the G7. Originally expanded to the G8 with Russia’s inclusion in 1997, it reverted to G7 in 2014 following Russia’s expulsion due to its annexation of Crimea.
- Operating as an informal grouping without formal treaties or a permanent bureaucracy, the G7 rotates leadership among its members and makes decisions through consensus.
- Despite lacking legislative power, its influence derives from the economic and political weight of its members, impacting global issues through coordinated actions.
- The G7 serves several purposes: facilitating open dialogue among members to understand diverse perspectives, fostering collective political responses to global challenges like trade, security, and climate change, and setting international agendas through discussions and policy pronouncements.
- Significantly, the G7 collectively controls 60% of global net wealth, drives 46% of global GDP, and represents 10% of the world’s population, underscoring its substantial economic and geopolitical influence.
Discussions in the Summit:
- Central to the summit’s discussions, underscored in the joint statement, was a strong focus on Ukraine and a clear message directed at China and other parties perceived to be covertly supporting Russia.
- The statement explicitly mentioned taking actions against entities in China and other third countries that materially assist Russia’s military capabilities, particularly those involved in acquiring defense-related items.
- Such actions, aligned with respective legal frameworks, aim to prevent support that undermines Ukraine’s territorial integrity and independence.
- This served as a direct warning to China against potentially risky alliances that could have repercussions.
- It’s notable that the United States has already implemented several export controls to prevent the transfer of dual-use technologies to China, which could be utilized for both precision weaponry and cyber surveillance.
- Despite its significant economic stature, China’s absence from the G7 summit highlighted the cautious approach among leading democratic nations towards Beijing’s geopolitical strategies, especially in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on a tour of several European countries aimed at resolving tariff disputes imposed by certain European nations on Chinese electric vehicles.
- While some European countries align closely with the US-led approach of taking firm measures against China, others appear more inclined towards fostering stronger ties with China.
- Meanwhile, at the G7 summit, there was a nuanced acknowledgement of Indian Prime Minister’s advocacy for greater inclusion of Global South countries in global affairs.
- The summit emphasized the significance of African nations and pledged various initiatives to enhance economic prosperity in the region.
- The joint statement endorsed African countries’ aspirations for increased representation in international bodies, welcomed the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20, and supported the creation of a third chair for sub-Saharan Africa on the IMF Executive Board in November.
- Additionally, the G7 reaffirmed support for the G20 Compact with Africa as a tool to stimulate private sector investments, promote structural reforms, support local entrepreneurship, and enhance energy sector cooperation.
India@ G7:
- India attended the summit in Apulia as a special invitee, underscored the importance of Global South countries in global dynamics.
- The Indian Prime Minister highlighted India’s efforts to prioritize the concerns of Global South countries, particularly Africa, on the international stage.
- He emphasized India’s contributions to the economic development, stability, and security of African nations, noting India’s role in making the African Union a permanent member of the G20 during its chairmanship.
Conclusion:
The G7 meeting in Italy conveyed a message of a shifting global order where multiple voices from diverse regions assert themselves on global issues, particularly as established political structures face challenges domestically.
