G7 Summit, 2022: Why India’s participation matters?

A lot is being speculated about India’s participation in recently concluded 48th edition of G-7 Summit held under German Presidency. But before we move forward, it would be good to take a look at history of this grouping.

It was set up in 1975 as a Group of six by likes of United States, France, Italy, Japan, UK, and West Germany to provide a platform for discussing pressing economic concerns sparked by  Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil embargo. Cana joined following year and thus it came to be known as G-7, a grouping of leing industrialized democracies of world as well as European Union as a 'non-enumerated member'. Russia joined grouping in 1998 making it G-8, however, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea (Ukraine), it was suspended until furr notice.

above information is important as 2022 Summit held in Bavarian Alps was conducted in backdrop of an interesting turn of events in world politics such as ongoing Russia-Ukraine Crisis, growing Chinese threat in Indo-Pacific, revival of global economy post-pandemic, energy transition and ors and somehow India is at center of it all.

How? It is clear that despite India’s reluctance to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine and differing stances with west, India was invited (not exclusive though) as a partner country to Summit. Why? Because India’s growing influence in global affairs is unquestionable. In new Indo-Pacific construct and amidst China’s muscle-flexing, India is critical. Back in 2017, n US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson referred to India as “Western beacon” of Indo-Pacific.

India’s growing stature and importance in world affairs are widely recognized. India’s diplomacy has led country to emerge as a global influencer through active participation in I2U2, G-20, BRICS, QU, SCO, SAARC, and now G-7. T

he grouping’s relevance itself is questionable as it does not truly reflect today's realities like now seven largest economies would include China and India, and exclude Italy and Cana. refore, India’s participation stands to give grouping much-needed impetus.

Not limited to strategic sphere, India is also representing interests of its counterparts by not letting G-7 Summit be taken hostage by discussions surrounding Russia-Ukraine Crisis. While dressing Summit, Prime Minister Modi urged countries to invest in clean energy and said “access to energy should not be a privilege of rich and  poor also should have an equal right to energy”. result of this can be seen as first announcement me was a 600 billion dollar infrastructure initiative to help developing countries tackle climate change. India also spoke about women's rights and ir leing role in development. On issue of global food security, PM Modi lauded Indian agricultural manpower and how it can be instrumental in ensuring food security.

Thus, it can be seen how India can bring a “fresh perspective on narrative of global north on climate change, carbon pricing, pandemic prevention, issues related to Intellectual Property, global food security and public stock holdings as well as promotion of shared values of democracy, and rule of law”. 

For India too, its relations with west matter. India shares a large and conflicted border with China and is in direct line of fire of China’s expansionist ambitions, rise of terrorism with Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, walking thin rope in Russia-Ukraine crisis, an economically ailing Sri Lanka in its backyard, India is not having it easy. refore, being part of plurilateral platforms like se serves India’s larger geopolitical calculus.

All in all, G-7 Summit, presents an opportunity for both West and India to forge and strengn ir existing partnerships while also mindfully tackling ongoing geopolitical crisis across globe. Also, Summit has furr established “indispensability of India in any noticeable North, South, or North-South platforms when it comes to searching for solutions and ir implementation”. 

West knows that India has risen and is at helm of global politics and refore, cannot be ignored at table. As our not-so-friendly neighbour’s ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan rightly noted India as “khuddar quam" (very self-respecting people) and has lauded India for its Independent foreign policy. India must continue to maintain its strategic autonomy as well as focus on serving its own economic and geopolitical interests along with regional prosperity. As popularly believed among experts, Global politics of 21st Century is centered around Indo-Pacific and India is at center of it and ro to a stable, peaceful, resilient geopolitical environment goes via India.

Author of this article, Saloni Salil is an Independent Geopolitics and Security Analyst and a Max Certified Intelligence Analyst (ASIS Recognised) with more than 10 years of experience focusing on Global Security Risk and Intelligence, South Asia, Naval Affairs, Maritime Security, and Indo-Pacific region; delivering risk assessments and policy frameworks across a spectrum of risk matters, international business, and geopolitical issues. 

Disclaimer: views and opinions expressed within this article are personal opinions of author. facts, analysis, assumptions and perspective appearing in article do not reflect views of Republic TV/ Republic World/ ARG Outlier Media Pvt. Ltd.