Keynote Speech
The G-7 nations are trying to work out a strategy to counter China’s growing clout.
Meanwhile, India locked in a military standoff with China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. PM Narendra Modi addressed the ongoing G-7 summit at Carbis Bay in Britain.
PM Modi presented India’s viewpoint in a specially invited meeting of four other democratic countries – India, Australia, Japan, and South Africa – with the G-7 countries.
This is considered to be very important in view of the increasing tension between China and the G-7.
PM Modi attended the Open Societies and Open Economies session of the G-7 meet as a keynote speaker.
He spoke about India’s traditional commitment to the democratic system, liberalism, and freedom of thought and said that being the world’s largest democracy, India is free from the vices of an authoritarian system, terrorism, and violent extremism, spread of misinformation, and economic pressure. The G-7 and the visiting countries have natural allies to protect democratic values.
PM Modi attended the G-7 meet thrice
PM Modi could not attend the meeting of G-7 and special invitees due to the coronavirus pandemic in India. Over the last two days, PM Modi attended this meeting thrice through virtual platforms.
Focus on China
Needless to say, Modi has pointed to the neighboring country of China by talking about the authoritarian system, economic pressure in the Chinese system. However, many leaders appreciated PM Modi’s statement.
Discussion on the Indo-Pacific region as well
Along with formulating a global strategy against the coronavirus pandemic in the G-7 meeting. The second topic that has been to discuss the most is related to China.
The situation in the Indo-Pacific region was also to discussed in this meeting and officials say that collectively the emphasis has been on making the Indo-Pacific region an equal opportunity for all countries of the world.