THE G7 SUMMIT

G7 & Invited Countries Have Singular Focus On Russia

Meeting Between G7 and Other Countries Leaders

The meeting of G7 leaders that has recently concluded at the Bavarian resort of Schloss Elmau castle, near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The gathering was attended by the leaders of G7 countries along with the leaders from several countries including India, South Africa, European Union, Argentina, Indonesia, Senegal, and South Africa & Ukraine, had their singular focus on Russia. The goal of the G7 German presidency further strengthens by their participation— ‘Progress towards an equitable world.

Pivotal Summit

The summit seems to be a pivotal since it took place against the backdrop of a triple crisis: The eternal issue of climate change ,the war in Ukraine, & the challenge of post-pandemic economic recovery. In the situations, the leaders of G7 managed to pose a united front which was quite remarkable. The G7 leaders Took promised to go on continue imparting Ukraine with military, "financial, humanitarian, & diplomatic support" & stand with the war-torn Country "for as long as it takes" in the face of Russia's continued invasion of Kiev & resolved to “continue to impose stringent & immediate economic costs on Russia” along with stepping up efforts to “secure global energy & food security”, & stabilising post-pandemic economic recovery.

Major Outcomes

The major outcomes included the Global Alliance on Food Security; a $600 billion Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment & Climate Club. Besides, the G7 nations underscored their commitment to reconstruction & humanitarian aid in Ukraine. On foreign & security policy, China was on the major focus the major focus. There has been reiteration of the “importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific” by G7 nations, & reminder to China to “abstain from threats, coercion, intimidation measures or use of force”. For the grouping of G7, to limit Moscow’s revenues had been the primary objective, even if it meant courting Venezuela & Saudi Arabia for increasing oil production or risking high inflation even with a looming threat of an economic slowdown or putting Europe through a brutal winter with low energy supply from Russia & renewed dependence on coal-powered plants.

India Been a Part of G7

Even though India has been part of the G7 outreach events since the 2000s. India has been invited thrice consecutively at G7 Summit. The first-two being in France & UK. Being the largest functioning democracy, a voice for the underdeveloped & developing countries, a fast-growing economic status & being the fastest-growing market — India has become a virtual reality at the G7. India also shares strategic & super strategic partnerships with most of the G7 nations & is the largest democracy with a great economic heft & market. However, there are some calls have been made to expand G7 to G8 by including India unless G7 – although an informal group wishes to behave like a rigid alliance ridden with monologues & unifocal narratives.

G7 Persisting Hard

The G7 is persisting hard enough not to be yesterday’s club. It is still a powerful grouping, with seven of its members in the top 10 economies of the world, three of them permanent members of the UNSC & if you consider the EU, it is still home to some of the best emerging technologies. India’s participation in this meeting as an observer serves to advance its foreign & security policy objectives & will keep it in good stead when it assumes the G20 presidency in December. India can become an important link between the G7, G20, & BRICS. In the current geopolitical circumstances, where the West is facing threats from the authoritarian states, partnering & strengthening other democracies like India is also an important G7 objective.

Challenges Addressed by G7 Members

The majority of the G7 members unaddressed critical domestic challenges. To add to the domestic challenges, there is untamed inflation that has been giving the central banks a headache, globally. Some critics argue that in the long run, it is Russia’s battle to lose, & they might be true, but how far is the West willing to go when it comes to inflation, economic slowdown, & political consequences in order to hurt Russia three or five years now. Short-term pain is no guarantee for long-term luxury, & yet the West is willing to take that path. The question thus remains-does the G7 have a plan against Russia?