G7 Summit and Quad Leaders' Meeting: Shaping the Global Agenda

AIR PICS

In a captivating discussion on Spotlight, Ashok Sajjanhar, a former diplomat, and Rajesh Lekh, an Akashvani correspondent, shed light on the outcomes of the G7 Summit and Quad Leaders' Meeting. The G7 Summit, held in Hiroshima, the site of the world's first atomic attack, carries profound historical significance.

Sajjanhar elucidated the origins of the G7, which emerged in the 1970s amidst surging crude oil prices and the establishment of the OPEC cartel. Originally focused on economic issues, the G7 gradually expanded its scope to address political and global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and peace and security. While the G7's share of global GDP has declined to around 43%, it still retains substantial relevance in the global economy.

Lekh emphasized the importance of economic policy and climate change as key agenda items. Sajjanhar elaborated on the intrinsic connection between climate change and economic development, emphasizing the need for sustainable energy sources and financing for developing countries to adopt such technologies.

The discussion then turned to the significance of inviting countries like Australia, Brazil, Comoros, Cook Islands, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam to the G7 Summit. Sajjanhar highlighted Prime Minister Modi's advocacy for the inclusion of developing countries in global decision-making processes. The invitation of these nations demonstrated a commitment to amplifying the voices and concerns of the Global South in shaping global policies.

Addressing the G7's relevance in a changing world, Sajjanhar acknowledged that the G7's share of global economic activity has diminished over time. However, he emphasized that the G7 continues to serve as a platform for like-minded democracies with shared values and interests. He underscored India's growing clout and influence on the global stage, as demonstrated by Prime Minister Modi's successive invitations to G7 Summits.

Turning to the Quad Leaders' Meeting, the discussion touched on the focus on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Sajjanhar highlighted the concerns arising from Russia's nuclear muscle-flexing, North Korea's missile tests, and China's nuclear arsenal expansion. These factors informed Japan's decision to prioritize nuclear non-proliferation on the summit's agenda.

The conversation concluded with a brief mention of the G7 and Quad's condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine, efforts to reduce dependency on China in supply chains, and concerns over China's aggression towards Taiwan and economic coercion against other nations.