Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on Visit of Prime Minister to Italy for G7 Summit (June 12, 2024)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
June 12, 2024
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to this Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary, Shri Vinay Kwatra on the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister to G7 in Italy. On the dais, we are also joined by our Joint Secretary who looks after Europe West, Shri Piyush Srivastava; and Joint Secretary who looks after Multilateral Economic Relations, Shri Abhishek Singh. With that, Sir, I hand over the floor to you.
Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Thank you very much and thank you, friends from the media, very good afternoon and thank you for coming here this afternoon for this Special Briefing on Honorable Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Italy for the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy. At the invitation of Honorable Prime Minister of Italy, Honorable Prime Minister Modi ji will be travelling to Apulia, Italy tomorrow to participate in the 50th G7 Summit, which is to be held there on 14th of June, that's the day after tomorrow, where India has been invited as an Outreach Country. The visit assumes a significance as this will be Honorable Prime Minister's first overseas travel after assuming office in his third consecutive term. It will also afford him an opportunity to engage with other world leaders present at the G7 Summit on issues of importance to India, as also to the Global South. This will be India's 11th participation in G7 Summit and Prime Minister Modi's fifth consecutive participation at the G7 Summit.
On 14th of June, that is the main day for the G7 Outreach Summit, Prime Minister will participate in the Outreach Session along with the other countries invited for the Outreach Summit. At this Session, the focus would be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It will be a bloc agenda item where the G7 and the Outreach Countries would share their views and perspective. India's regular participation at the G7 Summit clearly points to increasing recognition and contribution of the efforts that India has been consistently making in trying to resolve global challenges, including those of peace, security, development, and environment preservation. India's participation at this G7 Summit acquires particular salience in context of India's recently held, not so recent, presidency of the G20, where India took a leading role in building global consensus on a number of contentious issues. As you are also aware, India has so far organized two sessions of the Voice of the Global South Summit, which have been aimed at bringing the interests, priorities, and concerns of the Global South on the global stage. At G7 also, we have always brought the issues of Global South to the forefront.
The G7 Summit under Italian presidency has chosen some key priorities for the current year. In broad terms, these are; first, conflict in Russia-Ukraine, Middle-East, with its consequences for the global agenda; secondly, relationship with developing nations and emerging economies with focus on Africa and the Indo-Pacific region; third, migration, together with climate energy linkages and food security; and last but not least, the artificial intelligence. Prime Minister's participation in the G7 Summit would also provide a timely opportunity to follow up on outcomes of the G20 Summit, held under India's presidency last year, and deliberate on issues which are significant for the Global South.
On the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy, Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings and discussions with the leaders of the G7, as also the Outreach Countries and the international organizations. As per the information that we have, besides India, Italy as G7 presidency has also invited Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Brazil is also a member of the G20 Troika, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Mauritania also holds the African Union presidency, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, which is again G20 troika, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, and some international organizations, including the United Nations.
Honorable Prime Minister is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Italy. As you are all aware, the two Prime Ministers last met during the COP28 Summit in Abu Dhabi in December 2023. If I could take this opportunity to give a brief overview of India-Italy ties, because the exchanges between the two countries have been very intense in last one year, our ties are strong and multi-dimensional. As you are aware, the Prime Minister of Italy had visited India on a State visit in March last year. You would also recall that she was our Chief Guest at the Raisina Dialogue in March last year. She thereafter visited New Delhi for the G20 Summit. During her State visit, India-Italy relations were upgraded to Strategic Partnership with focus on defense, Indo-Pacific, energy, science and technology.
Italy is also India's fourth largest trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade currently standing at $15 billion. We have a large diaspora resident in Italy, close to 2,00,000. Italy is also a partner in several global initiatives launched by India, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, Global Biofuel Alliance, and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, both of which were launched during the G20 Summit in India. In the meeting with the Prime Minister of Italy, the two Prime Ministers are expected to review the entire gamut of bilateral ties and give directions for next steps. Other bilateral meetings between Honorable Prime Minister and the other world leaders present at the G7 Summit are being scheduled. We will keep you posted as and when they concretize and the agenda therein.
I would stop here and be happy to take some questions. Thank you very much.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: We open the floor for questions and please be mindful that your questions should be focused on G7 Summit.
Manash: Foreign Secretary, this is Manash Pratim Bhuyan from PTI. The G7 is expected to focus largely on the conflict in Ukraine. Is India and Prime Minister Modi is expected to again reaffirm India's position and then kind of, articulate what India wants G7 to, you know, do to just defuse the crisis in Ukraine.
Nayanima: Nayanima from ABP Live. Just want to understand, I'm sure, Prime Minister Modi will also be asked what will be India's participation in the Global Peace Summit. What will be the response, if there is an update on that? Thank you.
Pranay: Foreign Secretary, Pranay Upadhyaya Zee News se. Mera sawal is chiz ko lekar hai ki Ukraine ke Rashtrapati Volodymyr Zelenskyy ki bhi expected hain Italy ke andar, toh kya Ukraine ki taraf se Pradhan Mantri Modi se mulakat ka koi anurodh mila hai? Aur dusra, chunav jitne ke baad aur Bharat ke loktrantra ki is jeet ke baad mei ab jab Pradhan Mantri wahan par maujood honge toh kin muddon pe prathmikta ke sath Bharat apni baat wahan pe rakhega, agar aap Bharat ke focal points ko address kar sakain?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Foreign Secretary, Pranay Upadhyaya from Zee News. My question is regarding the fact that Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to be in Italy. So, has there been any request from Ukraine for a meeting with Prime Minister Modi? And secondly, after winning the election and with this victory of Indian democracy, when the Prime Minister will be present there, which issues will India prioritize to put there in its stance? If you can tell about the focal points of India?
Sidhant: Sir Sidhant from WION. My question was similar to what Pranay Sir asked. I mean, what will be the focus of Prime Minister at the Summit since this is his first visit abroad in the third term?
Parikshit: Foreign Secretary, you spoke about the importance of AI in the G7 agenda at this time. What kind of a framework or messaging on AI would the G7 come up with and what are we going to the G7 in Italy with our proposal on artificial intelligence?
Sahil: Foreign Secretary, I'm Sahil from ANI. What would be the issues of Global South that PM Modi likely to address in this year's G7 Summit?
Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Thank you very much. Let me take the question relating to India's participation at the Peace Summit first because I'm making an assumption there could be other questions in the second round. So let me address them up and front. India will be participating at the Peace Summit which is to be held in Switzerland at an appropriate level. That consideration is currently going on in the system, and as and when we have a decision on the representative from India who will be participating, we'll be very happy to share it with you.
With regard to the question on Ukraine, India's position, what the G7 would focus on therein. As I mentioned to you in my opening remarks, during this Summit, while the G7 would focus on bloc sets of agenda in terms of their own discussions, the discussions that would be taken up in the Outreach part of the Summit would essentially focus on artificial intelligence, energy, and Mediterranean, as I mentioned to you. The other agenda items are essentially confined to the discussions only among the G7 countries. Those are not for the Outreach Summit. Having said that, it is quite natural that in the bilateral sideline discussions, conversations, the meetings that the honorable Prime Minister will have, it is to be expected that the ongoing developments across the world of significance will come up for discussion. Naturally, Russia-Ukraine conflict is one of them. And like we have done always in the past at such international gatherings, we would be sharing our perspective, which is well known. We have always maintained that the dialogue and diplomacy is the best option. You would recall Prime Minister's own statement on this that today is not an era of war, which found widespread appreciation and recognition.
As far as the impact of war is concerned, right from the time that it started, in terms of the derivative impact on food, fuel, and fertilizer availability, the challenges that it caused to the supply chain globally, and caused disruptions in the global economy, we have always been in the forefront to talk about not just the conflict, the need for dialogue and diplomacy, but also the way the conflict has impacted on the priorities and interests of the developing countries, such as the one... some of which I highlighted. We have always, at the same time, also been in the forefront to come forward and offer assistance, wherever we can, to alleviate some of these challenges, which the countries of Global South have faced because of the conflict. India has also provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, as also to countries of the Global South, at least in those areas, and some of those areas which have been impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. So I think on Russia-Ukraine, this would be a continuous sharing of our perspective with the world leaders on the sidelines, and continue to emphasize and underline the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to address that situation.
With regard to the question specific, Pranay, with regard to President Zelenskyy's meeting, as I mentioned to you right up in the beginning, Prime Minister's bilateral schedule of meetings is still in works. It's work under progress, and as and when those bilateral meetings are finalized, we'll be happy to share with you.
I'll combine the other three segments of question into one.
Aapne prashn kiya Pranay ji ke chunav jitne ke baad kin muddon pe jo hai Pradhan Mantri ji ki prathmikta is manch pe rahegi.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Pranay, you asked, after winning the election, on which issues will Prime Minister prioritize at this platform.
Sidhant, your question is a repeat, which is, what would Prime Minister focus on, and the question relating to what are our proposals going to be on the artificial intelligence. What I would say there is that... look, I mentioned to you the bloc topic on which the Prime Minister will be speaking at the Outreach Session. I don't think it would be fair for me to prejudge what the proposals, the ideas, the thought stream that the Honorable Prime Minister will put before the Outreach Session in terms of not just India's perspective, but also how many of these subjects directly linked to and are of great relevance to the countries of the Global South in terms of the relevance that they hold for them, in terms of how they fit into their developmental priorities, etc. But, I think we can make an assumption here, of course we'll wait for Prime Minister's address to come out, that Prime Minister would be addressing most of this bloc topic from the framework of naturally India's own developmental worldview, how that developmental worldview has a synergetic, and I would say in a way, a catalytic role for other countries of the Global South, and how it fits into their priorities also. But I don't think it would be really fair for me at this stage to prejudge in any way what Honorable Prime Minister's projection of priorities and proposals will be at this Session.
Huma: Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. You said that there will be a bilateral with the Italian Prime Minister and defence could be a focus there. Can you share more details about that?
Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: What I said was that in their bilateral meetings, the two Prime Ministers are expected to review the Strategic Partnership and its various elements, and one of the Strategic Partnership elements is defence, but that's not the only element. There are other elements of bilateral engagement that would be reviewed by the two Prime Ministers.
Suhasini: Foreign Secretary, its Wednesday, so if you could give us a little more clarity when you say India will attend the Swiss Summit at the appropriate level. The invitation is for the Prime Minister, so would it be the Prime Minister or not? And my second question is, is India requesting or has Ottawa requested a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, if there is any clarity on that? Thank you.
Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: With regard to your first question Suhasini, I would only repeat that we will let you know once the consideration on the level of India's presence at the Peace Summit is finalized. With regard to any other bilateral meetings that are in the pipeline, once they are finalized, we will be very happy to share with you the details of those.
Sanjib: Foreign Secretary I am Sanjib Baruah from The Week. On the agenda, as you have mentioned, are the conflicts of Russia-Ukraine and West Asia, is the Myanmar conflict also part of the agenda? Because this has been a bone of prime contention even in the ASEAN Bloc and there has been a direct fallout on India and South Asia.
Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Look, I totally agree with you on the last part of your remark, which is that the developments in Myanmar do directly impact on India. But insofar as its presence in the G7 discussion is concerned, the Summit agenda for G7 is fixed by the G7 and particularly the host country. And I have already listed out to you the Bloc items which the G7 host country has prioritized for discussion, both among the G7 countries but as also for the Outreach Summit.
Sridhar: Sir, you have confirmed that we are participating in the Peace Summit. We have seen reports that China is staying away. So, is that a consideration that Russia may not take too kindly to other countries participating maybe at the top level? And we have seen also that Indians are also getting killed in this conflict. We issued a rare warning to Russia last night. So, given all these factors, is Russia a factor in deciding at what level we will participate? Thank you.
Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Look, there are many variables that go into consideration while formulating a decision on this. All I would say is, and I would repeat, sorry to do that, but we will let you know once the level of our representation at this Summit is finalized.
Manish: Sir, main Manish Jha hoon TV9 Bharatvarsh se. President Biden Italy mei rahenge, abhi jab chunav hamare yahan ho raha tha, toh India ne US par ye bhi kaha tha, narajagi jatate hue ki US India mei elections ko influence karne ki koshish kar raha hai. Toh waisi stithi mei kya President Biden ko batane ke liye kya India ne tay kiya hai ki bilateral, kyuki bilateral jab hoga tab aap batayenge hi, ki kya hamari ichchha hai ki hum bataye unko ki hamne kyu aisa kaha tha, ki US kyun, elections mei interfere na kare ya phir US ki taraf se koi clarification dene ke liya India ko approach kiya gaya hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Manish Jha from TV9 Bharatvarsh. President Biden will be in Italy. Recently, during our elections, India expressed displeasure, saying that the US was trying to influence the elections in India. In such a situation, has India decided what to communicate to President Biden? Because when the bilateral talks are confirmed, you will inform us. Is it our intention to explain to him why we said that the US should not interfere in our elections, or has the US approached India to give any clarification?
Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Dekhiye jo Bharat-US sambandhon ka jahan tak prashna hai, saamrik sambandh hain, vyapak sambandh hain, inki vyapakta har kshetra mei sammilit hain, maujood hain toh uske bare mei jahan tak Bharat-US sambandhon ka prashna hai, uski vyapakta ke bare mei kisi ko kisi bhi prakar ki koi sandeh nahi hona chahiye. Jahan tak do shirsh netaon ke beech mei varta ki baat hai, meeting ki baat hai, yadi woh meeting hoti hai, toh usmai varta ke kya vishay honge, unki baat hai, toh woh jab ek baar varta ho jati hai, toh uske baad uske agenda ke jo details hain, jo uski spasht jankari woh hum aapse share kar payenge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Look, as far as India-US relations are concerned, there are strategic relations and extensive relations that encompass every field. So, as far as the extent of India-US relations is concerned, there should be no doubt of any kind in anyone's mind. Regarding the discussion or meeting between the two top leaders, if such a meeting takes place, what will be the topics of discussion; once the meeting is confirmed, we will be able to share the clear details of its agenda with you.
Sudhi: Sir Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg, Sir. Yesterday night, we have seen a statement from Canada, and Justin Trudeau in particular, talking about right wing governments and their rise across the world. Considering that India has just had its election, is there a comment that India has? And I would reiterate or associate myself with Suhasini's question, has Canada asked for bilateral or India considering a bilateral?
Abhishek: Hi, Sir, Abhishek Jha from CNN News 18. My question is regarding reports that the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Italy has been desecrated. And the same statue was apparently scheduled for inauguration when Prime Minister Modi would have been there. So do you have any comment on that? And will Prime Minister Modi be also raising the issue of Khalistan's presence, or Khalisani protesters' presence in Italy?
Ashish: Good evening, Sir. This is Ashish from ABP News. Sir, the Session you mentioned on 14th is the only G7 related activity PM is participating in, or there are a few more? Second, could you help us understand how much time is Prime Minister spending for the entire G7 Summit, like in and out, day or hours-wise, if you can?
Akshay: Hi Sir, Akshay Dongare from DD India. Sir, recently we have seen repeated terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir and other areas as well. So when India is... be it at the G7 Summit or the Swiss Peace Summit, at what level is India going to raise this issue as well in relation to our internal security?
Jaiprakash: Sir main Jaiprakash hoon Dainik Jagran se. Sir, 11 varshon se Bharat participate kar raha hai, aur PM Modi ka bhi ye fifth chance hai wahan G7 me jane ka. Aap summarize kar sakte hain Sir ki India ko G7 mei ja kar kuch mila hai, ya kya humain benefit hua hai, ya kis tarah se hum dekhte hain?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Jaiprakash from Dainik Jagran. Sir, India has been participating for eleven years, and this is also Prime Minister Modi's fifth opportunity to go in G7. Can you summarize, Sir, what India has gained from participating in the G7, or what benefits we have received? How do we view this?
Sanjeev: Sir, halanki ye multilateral Summit hai, lekin aisa...
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, though it is a multilateral Summit, but...
Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Can I get your name please?
Sanjeev: Mera naam Sanjeev Trivedi hain. Main News24 se hoon. Aise me jab ki Bharat ek multilateral Summit mei bhag lene ja raha hai, ek prashn hai samne logon ke, woh ye hai ki hamare kai Bhartiya tourist visa le kar ke chale ja rahe hain yudha kshtra mei, Russia aur Ukraine ke aur khabarain bhi di gayi hain Videsh Mantralaya ki taraf se ki 2 log maare gaye hain. Abhi bhi bahut se aise log hain jo wahan pahuche hain, aur yudha kshetra mei hain, toh kya koi aisa mauka aa sakta hai jab is vishay ko jo sambaddh log hain unse charcha karne ka avsar Pradhan Mantri ko mile?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] My name is Sanjeev Trivedi. I am from News24. Sir, at a time when India is going to participate in a multilateral Summit, there is a question among the people regarding many Indians who are traveling to the war zone in Russia and Ukraine on tourist visas. There have been reports from the Ministry of External Affairs that 2 people have been killed. There are still many people who have gone there and are in the war zone. So, could there be an opportunity for the Prime Minister to discuss this issue with the relevant authorities?
Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Main aap hi ke prashna se shuru karta hoon kyu ki is prashna ki kahin na kahin rooprekha ek do baki prashno mei bhi hai. Dekhiye jo ki aapne kaha ki sambandhit logon se iske baare mei varta ho sake, main aapke sangyan mei ye lana chahunga ki jahan tak is vishay ka mukhya prashna hai, hum ispe vaarta lagatar, pahle din se hi aur kafi vyapak roop se jo hai Russian adhikariyon se, Russian vyavastha se, Russian netritva se aur unke jo system ke jo baaki bhaag hain, unse karte aaye hain. Hamare vyapak jo prayas rahe hain Bhartiyon ko surkashit rakhne ke, uska ye ek bhaag hai jismei humne Russian officials ko ye spasht roop se kaha hai ki jo bhi Bhartiya yudha kshtra mei, kis prakar se aaye hain, kaise aaye hain, wo alag baat hain, unki wapsi ki jaye.
Dusra jahan jahan humain iske bare mei jankari mili hai, kis tarah se unki recruitment hoti hai, kis tarah se unko wahan pe bheja jata hai, toh jo bhi domestic agencies hain unke sath milke is prakar ki avaidh recruitment ko roka jaaye uspe bhi prayas kiye gaye hain. Toh ye kehna ki ispe hum sambandhit logon se varta kar sake, toh ye varta pahle din se hi chal rahi hai, toh iske bare mei main aapko nishchint karana chahta hoon ki Bharat sarkar ne is mudde ko bahut gambhirta se liya hai, har prakar ki. Jab jab ye jankari hamare sangyan mei layi gayi hai ki falana Bhartiya is samay yudha kshtra mei hai, us jankari pe turant karyawahi ki gayi hai, pariwar se sampark kiya gaya hai, woh vyakti wahan pahucha kaise, uska sangyan liya gaya hai. Russian adhikariyon se baat ki gayi hai ki ye vyakti hai, humain ye jankari mili hai, kripya kar ke isko batayain. Aur ye hamare prayas bilkul shashakt roop se aage chalte rahenge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] I will start with your question because it somewhat overlaps with a couple of other questions. Look, as you mentioned about discussing this matter with the relevant authorities, I would like to bring to your attention that, as far as this issue is concerned, we have been in continuous and extensive discussions with Russian officials, Russian system, Russian leadership, and other parts of their system from day one. Our extensive efforts to keep Indians safe include conveying to Russian officials clearly that Indians who are in the war zone, regardless of how they have reached there, they should be brought back.
Secondly, wherever we have received information about how their recruitment happens and how they are sent there, efforts have been made in collaboration with domestic agencies to stop such illegal recruitment. So, to say that we could discuss this with the relevant authorities, these discussions have been ongoing since day one. I want to assure you that the Government of India has taken this issue very seriously. Whenever we have received information that a particular Indian is currently in the war zone, immediate action has been taken on that information. Contact has been made with the family, how the individual reached there has been ascertained, and discussions have been held with Russian officials to share information with them about the individual. Our efforts in this regard will be continued with strength.
Sudhi, your question on Canada, look, you yourself mentioned we have just concluded our general elections. I am sure everybody in the room would agree this was the largest democratic exercise in the history of humankind. Over 640 million-odd people voted here and I think the vibrancy of India's democracy was truly recognized and appreciated across the world. I really don't want to say anything on what somebody else thinks how the democracy should function, but our democracy was in full display with enormous evidence to be seen. But insofar as Canada is concerned, I think the main issue with regard to Canada continues to be the political space that Canada provides to anti-India elements which advocate extremism and violence, and we have repeatedly conveyed our deep concerns to them and we expect them to take strong action. Since you have associated yourself to the previous question, I'll associate myself to the same answer which I gave you, that as and when the schedule is finalized, we'll be very happy to share it with you.
We have the question relating to the vandalization of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. We have seen the reports of that and we have taken it up with the Italian authorities. We understand that suitable rectification has already taken place. You mentioned that this is scheduled to be unveiled by the Prime Minister, I think Ashish, you mentioned that in your question. Well, perhaps you have a better insight into the schedule and all that, but according to our information, the effort to vandalize the statue which is of course deplorable has been addressed and the necessary rectification has taken place.
I would have to request Doordarshan India to repeat that question. I didn't quite get it.
Akshay: The question was about the repeated terrorist incidents that we are witnessing in Jammu and Kashmir and other areas.
Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Look, insofar as the issue of terrorism is concerned and the nature of cross-border terrorism that India faces, I'm sure that in terms of the challenges that such instances pose to the general peace and stability in the region, they would suitably figure in Prime Minister's bilateral conversation as and when it is necessary depending upon the agenda of bilateral discussions.
I think there was a question here on ke G7 mei jo hai hum itne saalon se bhaag le rahe hain, 11 bar Bharat ke netritva ne G7 ki varta se jude hain, unmei sammillit hue hain, iske kya benefit hain, dekhiye jaise ki maine apni prarambhik tippani mei bhi kaha 2019 se lagatar Pradhan Mantri Modi ji G7 shikar sammelan mei bhaag le rahe hain, ye panchvi baar hai ki woh is shikhar sammelan mei bhaag lenge. G7 shikhar sammelan jaisa ki maine apni tippani mei bhi kaha vaishvik sandarbh ke, vaishvik paripekshya ke mukhya muddon par kendtrit hota hai. Maine aapse 5-6 jo mukhya vishyay hain jo ki is baar ki G7 shikhar sammelan ke bhaag honge unka jikar aapke samne kiya.
Aap agar pichli G7 shikhar vartaon ke bhi vishay dekhenge toh aap payenge ki woh us samay ke tatkalin vaishvik paripekshya mei kaun se mudde, kaun se vishay mahatwapurna hain, prasangik hain unpar woh kendrit hote hain. Aise sammelan mei bhaag lena ek bahut hi mahatwapurna vishay hai, G7 shikhar sammelan pe Bharat ki in vishayon par kya soch hain, in vishayon par kya paripekshya hai, in vishayon ka Bharat ki development se kya sambandh hai, kis prakar se ye vishay vaishvik paripekshya mei aur vaishvik development mei ek prakar se mahavtwapurna hain, in sab vishayon pe Bharat ka paripekshya na kewal G7 shikhar sammelan mei, apitu G7 shikhar sammelan ke dwara pure vishwa tak pahuchna bahut mahatwapurna hai.
Dusra har G7 shikhar sammelan mein jo baki desh bhaag lete hain unka jo particiation hai, woh badalta rehta hai, lekin G7 shikhar sammelan ke sidelines pe vaishwik netaon se milna, unke baare mei dwipakshiya sambandon ke sahyog, vikas, sehkarya ke upar kendtrit hona, in dwipakshiya vartaon dwara Bharat ke jo arthik, takniki, aur investment kshetron mei sambandh hain unko viksit karna, vaishwik muddon par aur kshetriya muddon par bhi Bharat ki kya soch hai, kya neeti hai, kya vichardhara hai, unko unke samne rakhna, unke bhi vichar sunna aur kuch muddon pe kis prakar se vaishwik developments jo hai Global South ko impact karti hai, unki bhi ek prakar se soch unke samne prakat karna.
G20 shikhar sammelan mei jo ki declaration tha Bharat ka woh bhi ek prakar se dekha jaye toh isi prakriya ka ek ang hai, halaki woh G7 shikhar varta nahi thi kintu G7 shikhar varta mei Bharat ke G20 presidency ki jo uplabdhiya rahi hain, uska bhi jikar hona swabhawik hai. Woh bhi apne aap mei ek mahatwapurna cheez hai. Toh ek prakar se kahun toh G7 mei bhaag lena, sammilit hona, samuhik roop se dekha jaye toh aarthik developmental, political, economic space aur global development ke jo issues hain uspe Bhartiya paripekshya, bhartiya neeti, bhartiya soch aur uske roop se kafi mahatwapurna hai aur naturally jo baki ecosystems, spectrum of participation mei jo meetings hoti hain, unki jo uplabdhiyan hain woh apne aap mei mahatwapurna hain. Thank you. Thank you very much.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] I think there was a question here about the benefits of India's participation in the G7 over the years. India's leadership has been involved in G7 discussions 11 times. As I mentioned in my initial remarks, since 2019, Prime Minister Modi has been participating in the G7 Summit, and this will be the fifth time he will attend the Summit. The G7 summit, as I mentioned in my remarks, focuses on key issues of global contexts. I have outlined 5-6 main topics that will be part of this year's G7 Summit.
If you look at the topics of previous G7 Summits discussions, you will find that they focus on the issues and subjects that are important and relevant in the then global context. Participating in such Summits is very significant. It is crucial for India to share its thoughts and perspectives on these topics, and to explain how these issues are related to India's development, and to articulate how these issues are important in the global context and for global development. Sharing India's perspectives on these issues not only within the G7 summit but also through the G7 summit to the entire world is very important.
Further, the participation of other countries in each G7 Summit varies, but meeting with global leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, focusing on bilateral relations, cooperation, development, and collaboration is important, as also developing India's economic, technological, and investment sectors relations through these bilateral discussions, and presenting India's thoughts, policies, and ideologies on global issues and regional matters to them. It also involves listening to their perspectives and presenting our perspective on how global developments on some issues impact the Global South.
If we look at the G20 Summit declaration in India, it is also a part of the same process. Although it was not a part of the G7 Summit, but mentioning India's achievements during its G20 presidency in the G7 Summit discussions is also natural. It is also an important aspect in itself. So, to say it in a way, participating in the G7 Summit, being included in it, if viewed in a collective context, Indian perspectives, policies, thinking on economic, developmental, political, economic space, and global development issues are quite significant. Naturally, the achievements of the other ecosystems and spectrum of participation in the meetings are important in themselves. Thank you. Thank you very much.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So with that Sir, thank you so much. With that ladies and gentleman we will come to the end of this Press engagement. We will continue with our conversation outside and please do follow us on the digital medium to get to know more on the visit. Thank you.
Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Thank you.
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