Diaspora of Direction: Analysing the G7 Summit of 2022 and the Role of India
The meeting of G7 leaders that concluded in Bavaria in Germany on Monday was of high profound since it came into light during three major crisis which includes the war in Ukraine, post-pandemic economy recovery and its challenger and the issue of climate change. For this year, “Progress towards an equitable world” is the goal of the German G7 presidency. Apart from the major issues, a few more agendas were discussed which include promoting partnerships for infrastructure and investment, shaping the global economy, advancing gender equality and shaping international cooperation, and concluding the discussions with a communique. What seems to be interesting is the fact that the communique which came as a conclusion of the meeting did have tough words not only for Moscow but also for Beijing.
For ‘Climate and the Environment, the G7 leaders endorsed the goals of an open and cooperative international Climate Club with the objectives of driving urgent, ambitious and inclusive action to align with 1.5°C pathways as well as accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The leaders are also ready to set on by the end of 2022 along with the construction of a highly carbonised road sector by 2030, which would be a predominantly decarbonised power sector by 2035. Lastly, the leaders are also set to bring in effort on accelerating the phase-out of the domestic unabated coal power. While in the setting of discussion for ‘Health’, the G7 leaders had put the commitment to bringing equitable access around the globe and delivering it safe, effective, and affordable manner. As they reaffirmed their commitment, the delivery of the products such as vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics does put a huge impact on overcoming the health issues lingering around the world. As per their communique, they have started, “To overcome the current COVID-19 pandemic, we will build on our provision of over 1.175 billion vaccine doses in the last year.” This shows their strong dedication to preventing, preparing for and responding to future pandemics and health challenges.
In their investment for a better future, the leaders of G7 have strongly emphasised reviewing the progress of the partnership for infrastructure and investment in which they aim to mobilise USD 600 billion over the next five years to narrow the global investment gap. As per their building partnership with South Africa, they have also emphasised working towards new Just Energy Transition Partnerships with nations such as India, Indonesia, Senegal and Vietnam. This does become an important aspect of the foreign policy of India, showing how both Germany and India maintain a traditional close partnership. Keeping that aside, it shows two factors – establishing the essentiality of India in any noticeable North, South, or North-South platforms when it comes to searching for solutions and their implementation, and increasing acceptance and recognition for India to be a part of every sustained effort which would lead to any finding for solving challenges of the world.
As the leaders of G7 try to put into effect for providing measures to tackle the issues of the world affecting all, the concern for Ukraine has been emphasised to a great extent. Considering the challenges, the leaders have re-emphasised their condemnation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine providing more than 2.6 billion euros for its contribution to humanitarian aid, pledging and providing 28 million euros in budget aid as well as supporting Ukrainian reconstruction through an international reconstruction plan and conference. The sanctions, have been imposed severely to send a strong message to Moscow. As per the issue of ‘Energy and Food Security, the leaders have concluded that the worsening energy security and access to food globally is a result of Russian aggression toward Ukraine for which they are committed to taking immediate action to secure the energy supply and reduce price surges. Their communique, states that they “reaffirm our commitment to phase out our dependency on Russian energy, without compromising on our climate and environmental goals.” The leaders are now also focusing on increasing global food and nutrition security through the Global Alliance on Food Security. The European Union has also brought highlighted its activities to support its actions against Russia, calling for stronger sanctions, and stressing Russia’s responsibility for soaring food and energy prices and rising inflation. According to Charles Michel states, food has been used as a source of a silent weapon for the war, converting farmlands into warzones as well as blocking seaports. As per his article, ‘A moment of truth, for Europe and the world’, the World Food Programme warns that more than 170 million people could experience acute food insecurity for which the international community must urgently work together to protect the most vulnerable from hunger and famine as the disruption in food supplies incline with the struggle of the world amid COVID-19 pandemic. However, disagreements can be seen at the summit right until finding a conclusion on the issue which would lead the way to decrease the cash flow into Russia from the western consumption of its energy. Germany believes that a cap on the oil prices or gas shall pave the way to completely cut-off off Russian energy supplies as well as the meltdown of industries in Europe. Meanwhile, especially the US believes the plan is doable.
When talking about India, its position has been seen as very crucial by both the west and Moscow. Although it has remained in the greyline in the Ukraine-Russia war, yet very vocal in providing solutions. Its invitation to the G7 leadership summit was seen from multidimensional eyes, considering the nation to splinter off from Russia. However, peacefully addressing the conflict through dialogue and peace shows the narrative of diplomacy as a means for India in finding a solution even to the most difficult issues. Another aspect is India’s role in the Indo-Pacific. India shares a large portion of the conflicted border with China and is also in the direct line of competition of Beijing’s ambitions which is expansionist. This provides them with a line of cooperation that would benefit both sides. India has been very ambitious in reaching its goals in a cooperative manner which is something seen as very welcoming by most nations and the west would not want to miss this opportunity. For G7, China has also been an important part of their agenda for which India plays an important character. It is also in the fight of countering terrorism, gender equality, energy, food security and climate.
The attempt by the leaders of G7 to draw closer alliances with emerging and developing nations was seen with suspicion by both Russia and China as it is very evident that they won’t remain idle after understanding that they were a part of the agenda. Another aspect to be seen is the fact that the two members of BRICS were invited – India and South Africa. As a result a speech for economic cooperation within BRICS was called in by Russian President Vladimir Putin who has also announced to provide more fertilizers to Brazil. The question is why only Brazil and if it is a reply to both South Africa and India for their participation in the G7 summit. Perhaps the escalating tension shall be brought into the image when the G20 summit begins, scheduled to take place in November in Bali, Indonesia where China and Russia will also be a part of it.
Arindam Goswami
Research Intern at CPRG