G7
G7 is an intergovernmental organization formed in 1975. It is a forum of the world’s seven largest developed economies. It was established in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis with the major purpose of discussing and deliberating on international economic issues. India is not a member of the G7 group.
Issues faced by G-7
- Domination of US: G7 has turned into a collection of bilateral talks.
- Skewed Representation:
- G7 has no representative from any African, Russian, or Middle Eastern nation.
- No involvement of major countries like India, China, Brazil, etc.
- Promoting Inequality: G7 is creating a wide gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’ both within their countries and globally.
- Limited Capabilities: G7 is not able to tackle issues like terrorism, climate change, nuclear proliferation, etc.
- US-Hegemony: The agenda and issues discussed by the G7 are generally aligned with US interests.
Importance for India to join
- Global Convergence: It’s an opportunity for India to develop cordial relations with developed countries.
- Voice to Indian interests: G7 membership would magnify India’s voice on major platforms and allow engagement with influential nations in global matters.
- Security Cooperation: It would boost security cooperation with member countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
- Forum of Democracies: G7 serves as a credible forum of democracies supporting a free and rules-based world order, potentially challenging China.
Issues with India joining
- Non-reflective: G7 consists of developed nations and may not address India’s concerns, especially at the WTO and climate change talks.
- Russian Antagonism: Russia remains a key strategic partner for India; joining G7, which excludes Russia, may provoke diplomatic tensions.
- Opposes BRICS and RIC: Joining G7 might render BRICS and RIC less relevant for India.
- Anti-China posturing: G7’s current stance largely focuses on containing China, which might be too narrow an agenda for India.
Conclusion
India should be cautious about engaging with the G7, as most member nations have pending issues with India at the WTO and on climate change. Officially joining may risk antagonizing Russia and pushing it further toward a China-Pakistan alliance.