In an exciting development, India has been invited along with seven other nations to participate in the outreach sessions of the highly anticipated G7 Summit, scheduled to take place in Hiroshima from May 19 to May 21. The Japanese ambassador, Hiroshi Suzuki, expressed his belief that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s involvement in the summit will foster a harmonious relationship between the G7 and G20 processes. He particularly emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of the Global South, and he commended Prime Minister Modi’s ability to speak on behalf of developing countries. Suzuki noted that PM Modi’s attendance at the Voice of Global South Summit in January, where he had the opportunity to hear the concerns of more than 100 nations, gives him a legitimate platform to represent the interests of developing countries.
Suzuki further conveyed Japan’s desire for Prime Minister Modi to share his vision for setting the G20 agenda based on the outcomes of the G7 Summit. This collaborative approach would facilitate greater synergy between the two summits. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical importance of close coordination between the G20 and G7. He highlighted the need for unity in a world that is becoming increasingly polarized, especially when addressing the challenges faced by developing countries. These challenges include rising food and energy prices, energy security, climate change, sustainable development, and health.
Strengthening G7-G20 Bonds: PM Modi’s Vital Role
Ambassador Suzuki emphasized that actions, rather than mere words, are necessary to demonstrate solidarity with the Global South. He stated that expressing sympathy towards developing countries is not enough, and tangible steps must be taken to address their concerns. Japan intends to translate its commitment into concrete action and looks forward to advancing in this direction.
The G7 Summit will serve as an opportunity for Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart to assess the progress made in bilateral relations since Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to New Delhi in March. The leaders will also meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in September to review progress and provide political impetus for further advancements.
Japan has identified two key themes for the G7 Summit. The first is upholding the rule of law, particularly in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The second theme is engagement with the global community, with a special focus on the Global South. Ambassador Suzuki emphasized that reverting to a “law of the jungle” mentality is unacceptable. He condemned Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, stating that it undermines core values such as sovereignty, respect for territorial integrity, and the rule of law enshrined in the UN Charter. Suzuki warned that allowing a larger nation to bully a smaller neighbor without repercussions could set a dangerous precedent for similar actions elsewhere in the world. Prime Minister Kishida firmly believes that such attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo should be condemned universally. The rule of law must be upheld in regions including the Indo-Pacific, East China Sea, and South China Sea.
PM Modi’s Inclusion: A Catalyst for Global Synergy
Regarding bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Suzuki highlighted the new avenues for defense collaboration between Japan and India outlined in Japan’s National Security Strategy. This strategy includes a novel form of assistance called Official Security Assistance, which enables Japan to directly support foreign countries’ defense departments and armed forces. Suzuki specifically mentioned India as a potential recipient of this assistance, noting that it would enhance defense cooperation between the two countries.
Suzuki also praised the significant progress made in security cooperation between Japan and India in recent years. Joint exercises across all three military services have been established, and the decision to hold joint staff talks was made during the 2+2 ministerial meeting held in September. The first of these staff talks is scheduled to take place in the coming months.
In conclusion, Japan eagerly anticipates PM Modi’s participation in the G
7 Summit and believes it will lead to a stronger bond between the G7 and G20 processes. The involvement of India and other countries from the Global South is seen as an opportunity to address the concerns of developing nations effectively. Japan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Kishida, remains committed to upholding the rule of law and engaging with the global community. The summit will also serve as a platform for India and Japan to strengthen their bilateral relations and cooperation in various areas, including defense. Overall, this inclusive and collaborative approach at the G7 Summit sets a positive tone for addressing global challenges and fostering international cooperation.
The invitation extended to India, along with seven other countries, to participate in the outreach sessions of the G7 Summit has generated considerable enthusiasm and optimism. This notable inclusion signifies the growing recognition of India’s global influence and its crucial role in shaping international affairs. Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki has expressed his belief that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence at the summit will facilitate a remarkable synergy between the G7 and G20 processes, particularly in addressing the issues faced by the Global South.
Collaborative Vision: PM Modi’s Agenda for G20
Ambassador Suzuki highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Modi’s unique position to speak on behalf of developing nations, having listened to the concerns of over 100 countries during the Voice of Global South Summit earlier this year. This firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by developing nations enhances India’s credibility in representing their interests and advocating for inclusive policies at the international stage.
The Japanese envoy further emphasized the importance of Prime Minister Modi sharing his vision for the G20 agenda based on the outcomes of the G7 Summit. This collaborative approach not only ensures continuity but also fosters a more coherent and coordinated global response to pressing issues. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan echoed this sentiment, underlining the critical need for close coordination between the G20 and G7 to tackle shared challenges faced by developing countries. These challenges encompass a wide range of crucial issues, including rising food and energy prices, energy security, climate change, sustainable development, and healthcare.
Ambassador Suzuki emphasized that it is imperative to move beyond mere expressions of sympathy towards the Global South and instead take concrete actions to address their concerns. He underscored the need for tangible progress, highlighting that words alone cannot bring about meaningful change. Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida shares this perspective, seeking to translate goodwill into effective policies and initiatives that benefit the Global South.
The upcoming G7 Summit will also provide an opportune moment for Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Kishida to evaluate the progress made in bilateral relations between India and Japan since Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to New Delhi earlier this year. The leaders anticipate further discussions on strengthening cooperation during their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in September. This strategic engagement aims to provide a renewed impetus for progress and consolidate the foundations of a strong partnership.
Solidarity and Action: G7 Summit’s Commitment to Global Challenges
In addition to addressing the concerns of the Global South, Japan has identified two critical themes for the G7 Summit. The first theme centers on upholding the rule of law, with a particular focus on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ambassador Suzuki strongly condemned Russia’s actions, emphasizing the importance of preserving core international values such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rule of law. He cautioned against allowing larger nations to bully smaller neighbors without consequences, emphasizing the need for collective condemnation and international solidarity in the face of such transgressions.
The second theme revolves around engagement with the global community, particularly the Global South. Japan’s commitment to collaboration and inclusivity is underscored by Prime Minister Kishida’s assertion that simply expressing sympathy towards developing nations is insufficient. Concrete actions and effective solutions are required to address the challenges they face comprehensively. Japan seeks to play a proactive role in promoting a rule-based international order and ensuring that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected universally.
On the bilateral front, Ambassador Suzuki highlighted the new opportunities for defense cooperation between India and Japan, as outlined in Japan’s National Security Strategy. The introduction of Official Security Assistance, a new form of assistance that allows Japan to directly support foreign defense departments and armed forces, opens up avenues for enhanced collaboration between the two countries. India is specifically mentioned as a potential recipient of this assistance, which is expected to bolster defense ties and deepen strategic cooperation.
Ambassador Suzuki also praised the significant strides made in security cooperation between Japan and India in recent years. Joint military exercises across all three services and the decision to hold joint staff talks