On January 1, 2024, Italy assumed the G7 Presidency for the seventh time, preparing to host the 50th G7 Summit from June 13 to 15 in Apulia, Italy. The event will bring together leaders from G7 member states—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—as well as representatives from the European Union.
Italy has also invited several states and international organizations to the Outreach Session of the summit. This will mark India’s 11th participation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending for the fifth time.
India’s participation in the G7
India has participated in ten G7 Outreach Sessions, starting in 2003 in France and continuing in various host countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, France and, more recently, Germany (2022) and Japan ( 2023). India’s participation has consistently been at the Prime Minister level, underscoring the country’s high-level commitment to the summit’s objectives.
Focus Areas for the 50th G7 Summit
The 50th G7 Summit will feature two Outreach Sessions focused on key areas such as the Indo-Pacific, Africa, climate change, environment, migration and artificial intelligence. India’s invitation to these sessions highlights its growing importance on the global stage.
The importance of India is evident in several ways:
– As the world’s fifth largest economy, India’s GDP exceeds that of three G7 member countries—France, Italy and Canada.
– Following its successful G20 Presidency, India has emerged as a strong supporter of the Global South.
– In previous G7 Summits, India has consistently highlighted issues relevant to the Global South.
India’s Contributions in Previous G7 Summits
At the 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Prime Minister Modi participated in three plenary sessions addressing multiple crises, climate resilience and global peace. India’s contributions to global initiatives such as Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), International Year of Millets and Millet and Other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative (MAHARISHI) were recognized in the “Plan Hiroshima Action Plan for Resilient Global Food Security.”
Evolution of the G7
The G7 originated as the G6 in 1975 in response to the first oil crisis, with Canada joining the following year. From 2010 to 2014, the inclusion of Russia briefly expanded the group to G8. The G7 operates without a formal charter or secretariat, relying on the presidency to set the annual agenda. Collectively, the G7 nations represent nearly 45 percent of global GDP and more than 10 percent of the world’s population.
Originally focused on economic issues, the G7 has evolved into a platform to address broader global challenges, including peace and security, counterterrorism, development, education, health, environment and change. climate. Since 2003, the G7 has invited non-member countries, particularly from Asia and Africa, to participate in Outreach Sessions. These sessions foster international cooperation and have expanded to include interactions with non-governmental actors in the fields of business, civil society, labor, science, academia, women’s rights and youth.
Note: this is an article republished from the media “Financial Express” through a cooperation agreement between both parties for the dissemination of journalistic content. original link.
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