India has reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the best ways to resolve the Ukraine conflict. This statement comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the annual G7 summit in Italy. The summit will focus on global geopolitical issues, including the Ukraine war.
Modi’s Delegation and Summit Agenda
Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. They will participate in an outreach session on June 14, marking Modi’s first international trip since assuming office for his third term.
The G7 summit will be held from June 13 to 15 at the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia in Italy’s Apulia region. Prominent world leaders such as US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be in attendance. The summit’s primary focus will be on the Ukraine conflict and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
India’s Stance on the Ukraine Conflict
At a special media briefing ahead of the visit, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra underscored India’s consistent position that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for resolving the Ukraine conflict. He recalled Prime Minister Modi’s statement from September 2022, declaring that “today’s era is not of war.” Kwatra stated the war’s impacts, including disruptions to food, fuel, and fertilizer supplies, challenges to global supply chains, and overall economic instability.
India has been proactive in addressing the conflict’s effects on developing countries. “We have always been at the forefront to offer assistance wherever we can to alleviate challenges faced by the Global South because of the conflict, humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and also to the Global South affected by conflict,” Kwatra stated.
India’s Role and Contributions
Responding to a query, Kwatra emphasized that India will continue to share its perspective with world leaders at the summit, stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. Modi will join discussions on key issues such as artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean during the Outreach session on June 14.
The foreign secretary also noted that Modi’s participation in the G7 summit provides an opportunity to build on the outcomes of last year’s G20 summit, which was held under India’s presidency. India’s regular involvement in the G7 summits reflects the growing recognition of its efforts to address global challenges.
Bilateral Meetings and Global Cooperation
During the summit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This meeting will review bilateral ties and set directions for future cooperation. Modi is also likely to have bilateral meetings with other world leaders, although specific details are still being finalized.
When asked about a potential meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kwatra did not confirm but indicated that Modi’s schedule is being worked out. Modi had previously attended the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May last year, where he held talks with Zelenskyy and other leaders on the sidelines.
The G7 Summit and Its Broader Implications
The G7, comprising the US, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Japan, is currently presided over by Italy. The summit aims to address global challenges and reinforce the rules-based international system. Italy has emphasized the importance of defending these principles, which have been undermined by Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
In addition to the Ukraine conflict, the G7 summit will address the Middle East crisis and its implications for the global agenda. The summit will also feature representatives from various countries and international organizations invited by Italy, the host nation. These include leaders from Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey, the UAE, and the United Nations.
A Platform for Global Dialogue
India’s participation at the G7 summit underscores its growing role in global diplomacy. By advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, India aims to contribute to resolving the Ukraine conflict and addressing its broader impacts on global stability. The summit will provide a platform for India to share its perspectives and collaborate with other nations to tackle pressing global issues.
Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the summit also highlights India’s commitment to fostering international cooperation. The discussions on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean will offer insights into how countries can work together to address shared challenges.
By engaging with global leaders and underlining the importance of collaborative efforts, India seeks to play a constructive role in shaping a more stable and cooperative world order.