Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Japanese news agency Yomiuri Shimbun in Hiroshima where he was invited by G7 chair, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He stressed the importance of cooperation between G7 and G20, two important platforms for global collaboration, to address global challenges such as climate change, economic recovery, and healthcare. Modi also reiterated his commitment to resolving challenges faced by the developing and emerging nations of the ‘Global South’ as the current chair of G20. India is also the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The G7 is meeting in Hiroshima and, this year, it has invited the leaders of Australia, Brazil, Comoros, Cook Islands, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam as part of its outreach programme to developing countries. Modi said India aims to serve as a bridge between different voices, promoting a constructive agenda focused on achieving shared objectives for the betterment of humanity. The G7 leaders vowed to strengthen sanctions against Russia and reduce dependence on trade with China in a draft communique. The G7 committed to limiting exports to Russia aiding Putin’s aggression and combating sanctions violations.
When asked about China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and East China Sea regions as well as rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Modi said India continues to uphold sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution, and adherence to international law when it comes to maritime disputes. He further added that India will protect its sovereignty while promoting peaceful resolving of maritime disputes.
Modi highlighted that India is committed to prioritising the well-being of people affected by rising costs of essentials. He said India abstained from UN resolutions but condemned the hostilities, but remains committed to upholding UN Charter, international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and supports peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
