50th G7 Summit 2024 in Italy, Theme, India's Role and Agenda (2024)

The 50th G7 Summit, hosted in Italy’s Apulia region at Borgo Egnazia from June 13-15, 2024, gathers leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US. Joined by EU representatives, discussions focus on global issues including Ukraine’s conflict, Middle East tensions, climate change, and AI ethics. Guests from nations like India and organizations like the African Union enhance dialogue on international cooperation and strategic partnerships.

Agenda for the 2024 G7 Summit

• Defending Rules-Based International System: The summit will address Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.
• Middle East Conflict: Discussions will cover the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
• Partnerships with Developing Nations: Strengthening ties, particularly with African countries, is a key focus.
• Key Priorities:
  • Migration
  • Climate change
  • Food security
  • Implications of artificial intelligence (AI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Participation

India, represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is participating as an Outreach Country. PM Modi aims to tackle global challenges through fruitful discussions with world leaders, focusing on promoting international cooperation. This marks India’s 11th participation in the G7 and PM Modi’s fifth consecutive attendance.

PM Modi’s Schedule and Agenda

• Bilateral Meetings: PM Modi has a hectic schedule of bilateral meetings with leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He is also likely to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
• Outreach Session Address: PM Modi will address the outreach session, focusing on AI, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. This session aims to share perspectives between G7 and outreach countries.
• India-Italy Strategic Partnership: Modi emphasized the commitment to consolidate the strategic partnership with Italy and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions.

G7 Summit 2024 Theme

The theme for the G7 Summit 2024 is “Building a Resilient and Inclusive Global Economy.” This theme underscores the summit’s focus on fostering economic recovery post-pandemic, promoting inclusive growth, addressing climate change, and enhancing international cooperation. Leaders from G7 Countries and invited guests will discuss strategies to strengthen resilience against future global challenges while ensuring that economic benefits are shared equitably among nations and communities worldwide.

Why Does the G7 Need India?

Economic Significance

• GDP: $2.66 trillion, larger than France, Italy, and Canada.
• Growth: Projected to grow by 5.9% in 2023-2024.
• Investment Appeal: Market potential, low manufacturing costs, business reforms, and favorable industrial climate.

Demographic Advantage

• Population: Recently surpassed China as the most populous country.
• Workforce: 68% in the working-age group (15-64 years); 65% under 35 years.
• Labor Pool: Young, skilled, and semi-skilled workforce driving economic growth.

Strategic Importance in Indo-Pacific

• Geopolitical Shifts: Increasing focus on Indo-Pacific region by global powers.
• Western Strategies: UK, France, and Germany have developed Indo-Pacific strategies; Italy showing interest.
• Regional Stability: Key ally in countering China, especially in the Indian Ocean.

Role in Global Energy Security

• Energy Crisis: Russia-Ukraine war disrupted European energy supplies.
• Oil Imports: Increased purchases of discounted Russian oil.
• Indirect Benefits: Refined Russian crude oil from India reaching Europe, stabilizing energy flows.

Diplomatic Balance

• Relations: Maintains cordial ties with both Russia and the West.
• Mediation Potential: Unique position to facilitate dialogue in conflicts like the Ukraine war.
• Global Stability: Potential to contribute to peace and stability, easing economic and political tensions.

Contributions to Global Governance

• Inclusive Frameworks: Enhances legitimacy and representativeness in global governance.
• Broader Challenges: Addresses issues like climate change, global health, and economic development.

India’s Rising Global Role

• With China posing a significant threat to Western values and interests, India is seen as a beacon of hope.
• There is a renewed belief in India’s potential as a “vishwa mitra, vishwa bandhu, vishwa guru, and vishwa rakshak” (friend, family, guru, and protector) and is hopeful for India’s promise in navigating global challenges.
• India’s strategic autonomy and its reluctance to take sides have enhanced its influence in global affairs.

Diplomatic and Strategic Interventions

• India’s National Security Advisor proposed a unilateral ceasefire to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during Ramadan, which nearly succeeded.
• India’s efforts include breakthroughs with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and attempts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine.

What are the Concerns?

• The current bureaucratic system is seen as inadequate for supporting innovative ideas, necessitating a reliance on homegrown scholars and ancient texts.
• The rapid rise of China as a revisionist power determined to build a global empire is a major strategic concern for India.
• Ensuring stability and influence in India’s immediate neighbourhood is critical for its rise to global prominence.
  • A troubled Pakistan resuscitating its terror machinery presents a significant challenge.

Roads Ahead

• To fulfill global expectations, India needs to act with urgency, audacity, and flexibility, drawing from its ancient wisdom and traditions
• India should focus on integrating traditional Indian wisdom and ideas from the Global South into policy-making.
• Great powers have always secured stability in their neighbourhoods before ascending to global prominence.
  • India must prioritise stability and influence in South Asia, particularly with a problematic Pakistan.
• India should proactively address security concerns related to China by collaborating with regional and global allies.

G7 Summit 2024: Participants and Representatives

Core G7 Members

European Union

Invited Guests

International Organizations

G7 Summit 2024: Key Issues

Ukraine Conflict

The war in Ukraine remains a critical concern. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to lead discussions on international support for Ukraine, strategies for achieving peace, and measures to counter Russian aggression. This dialogue comes just ahead of the Peace Summit in Switzerland, scheduled to begin on June 16.

Gaza Conflict

The ongoing conflict in Gaza is another major topic. The G7 leaders will explore ways to de-escalate tensions and address the humanitarian crisis in the region. This session aims to formulate a unified approach to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

Climate Change and Development

The summit will open with discussions on enhancing partnerships in Africa, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable development. Leaders will seek to strengthen international cooperation to combat environmental challenges and support economic growth in developing regions.

Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean Relations

Expanding relations in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions is also on the agenda. The G7 aims to bolster economic and strategic ties in these crucial areas, fostering regional stability and growth.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Pope Francis is expected to lead talks on the ethical implications of AI and the importance of maintaining human control over AI technologies. This discussion will address the potential risks and benefits of AI, emphasizing the need for responsible innovation.