In this video look at the first session of G20 Summit. Focus of this session is on Global Economy, Environment And Employment. Watch this video to know more.

Osaka: First Session of G20 Summit; Focus on Global Economy, Enviroment And Employment

The summit will focus on financial markets, trade, innovation, energy, and the world economy. Women Empowerment will be one of the focus areas. This two day summit will end tomorrow. Watch this video to know more.

Leaders Of 19 Countries, E.U Share A Frame

''We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety,'' said US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trade-in-focus-as-pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-us-president-trump-231014">Trump during his bilateral talks</a> with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-trilateral-meeting-with-us-president-trump-japan-pm-abe-231016">sidelines of G20 Summit in Osaka</a>, Japan.

''We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety. We'll work together in many ways including military, we'll be discussing trade today,'' Trump told PM Modi during talks.&nbsp;

Modi and Trump discussed various bilateral and global issues including Iran, 5G communications networks, trade and defence ahead of the G-20 Summit.

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PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> held talks on the sidelines of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> Summit in Osaka. 
 
Both leaders discussed various bilateral and global issues. <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> <a href="https://t.co/XXpFzOLKsZ">pic.twitter.com/XXpFzOLKsZ</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1144415735302635520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump congratulated Modi on his election victory and said that the two countries would work together in many areas including military.&nbsp;

"It was a big victory, you deserve it, you have done a great job. We have big things to announce. In terms of trade, in terms of manufacturing, we would be discussing 5G. I congratulate you and I look forward to talks," Trump said.

"We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety. We will work together in many ways including military, we'll be discussing trade today," he said.

On Iran, Trump said: "We have a lot of time. There's no rush, they can take their time. There is absolutely no time pressure".

"PM @narendramodi and @POTUS held talks on the sidelines of the #G20 Summit in Osaka. Both leaders discussed various bilateral and global issues," the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> US President Donald Trump at bilateral meeting with PM Narendra Modi in Osaka, Japan: We have become great friends &amp; our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety. We'll work together in many ways including military, we'll be discussing trade today <a href="https://t.co/SjvenXi4df">pic.twitter.com/SjvenXi4df</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1144413376862412801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Watch:&nbsp;What to expect from G20 summit? a discussion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-to-expect-from-g20-summit-a-discussion-231005/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Modi-Trump meeting assumes significance as the US president, championing his 'America First' policy, has been a vocal critic of India for levying "tremendously high" duties on US products.

Before his arrival in Japan on Thursday, Trump tweeted, "I look forward to speaking with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi about the fact that India, for years having put very high Tariffs against the United States, just recently increased the Tariffs even further. This is unacceptable and the Tariffs must be withdrawn!"

This was Modi's first meeting with Trump after the BJP's landslide win in the parliamentary election.&nbsp;

''We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety,'' said US President Donald Trump during his bilateral talks with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan.

''We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety,'' said US President Donald Trump during his bilateral talks with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan. ''We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety. We'll work together in many ways including military, we'll be discussing trade today,'' Trump told PM Modi during talks. Modi and Trump discussed various bilateral and global issues including Iran, 5G communications networks, trade and defence ahead of the G-20 Summit. PM @narendramodi and @POTUS held talks on the sidelines of the #G20 Summit in Osaka. Both leaders discussed various bilateral and global issues. @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/XXpFzOLKsZ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 28, 2019 × Trump congratulated Modi on his election victory and said that the two countries would work together in many areas including military. "It was a big victory, you deserve it, you have done a great job. We have big things to announce. In terms of trade, in terms of manufacturing, we would be discussing 5G. I congratulate you and I look forward to talks," Trump said. "We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety. We will work together in many ways including military, we'll be discussing trade today," he said. On Iran, Trump said: "We have a lot of time. There's no rush, they can take their time. There is absolutely no time pressure". "PM @narendramodi and @POTUS held talks on the sidelines of the #G20 Summit in Osaka. Both leaders discussed various bilateral and global issues," the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet. #WATCH US President Donald Trump at bilateral meeting with PM Narendra Modi in Osaka, Japan: We have become great friends & our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety. We'll work together in many ways including military, we'll be discussing trade today pic.twitter.com/SjvenXi4df — ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2019 × Watch: What to expect from G20 summit? a discussion The Modi-Trump meeting assumes significance as the US president, championing his 'America First' policy, has been a vocal critic of India for levying "tremendously high" duties on US products. Before his arrival in Japan on Thursday, Trump tweeted, "I look forward to speaking with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi about the fact that India, for years having put very high Tariffs against the United States, just recently increased the Tariffs even further. This is unacceptable and the Tariffs must be withdrawn!" This was Modi's first meeting with Trump after the BJP's landslide win in the parliamentary election.

G20 Summit: 'Our countries have never been closer', Trump on US-India ties

Recently BRICS leaders meet on sidelines of G20 summit held. PM Modi highlights the issue of terror in the meeting. Watch this video in which WION discusses all this with Mr. Pinak Ranjan Chakrav, Ex-Secretary at MEA.

In Exclusive Conversation with Mr. Pinak Ranjan Chakrav, Ex-Secretary at MEA

US President Donald Trump, travelling in Asia for the G20 summit, knocked 10 Democratic presidential hopefuls from afar on Thursday for pledging to cover healthcare for immigrants who live in the United States after coming to the country illegally.

During a televised debate in Miami, a moderator asked the presidential candidates, including former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Kamala Harris of California and South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, if their potential administrations would support covering healthcare for illegal immigrants.

All 10 candidates on the stage raised their hands in the affirmative.

Trump, who has made cracking down on illegal immigration a signature policy of his presidency, pounced via Twitter.

"All Democrats just raised their hands for giving millions of illegal aliens unlimited healthcare. How about taking care of American Citizens first!? That’s the end of that race!" the Republican tweeted.

Trump has promised to build a wall along the US border with Mexico and has declared a national emergency over the number of people crossing into the United States from the south.

The president is in Osaka meeting with world leaders at the Group of 20 summit, but as is customary for him when he travels abroad, he was focused at least in part on goings-on back home.

During a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Trump could not help mentioning the Democratic debate.

“You know they have a debate going on,” he said to Merkel. “They had the first debate last night. I don’t know if you saw. It wasn’t very exciting, I can tell you that."

Trump said he looked forward to spending time with Merkel rather than watching the show. The German leader, who worked closely with Republican President George W. Bush and Democratic President Barack Obama during her tenure, kept a straight face.

Thursday was the second night of two debates among 20 candidates who are running for the Democratic presidential nomination to take on Trump in the November 2020 election.

Trump's campaign said both nights would prove to be a boost for the White House incumbent.

“The cast of characters may have changed, but the second night’s script was eerily like the first: a two-hour-long infomercial for President Donald J. Trump's re-election campaign," spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement. "All of the Democrats tripped over each other in a race to see who could stand out as the most leftist candidate, threatening government control of every aspect of people’s lives."

Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale wrote on Twitter that the Democrats were offering everything from free college to free healthcare, houses, cars, boats, aeroplanes and ice cream.

"Nobody has to work! Everyone just gets everything for FREE! Amazing!" he tweeted.

Trump is fond of making fun of the Democratic candidates, assigning pejorative nicknames in the same way that he did to his Republican and Democratic opponents in 2016. On Thursday, the Republican National Committee, while refraining from nicknames, said the Democratic field was one of the extremists.

"Their policies are extreme and out of touch with the realities facing everyday Americans," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump, travelling in Asia for the G20 summit, knocked 10 Democratic presidential hopefuls from afar on Thursday for pledging to cover healthcare for immigrants who live in the United States after coming to the country illegally.

US President Donald Trump, travelling in Asia for the G20 summit, knocked 10 Democratic presidential hopefuls from afar on Thursday for pledging to cover healthcare for immigrants who live in the United States after coming to the country illegally. During a televised debate in Miami, a moderator asked the presidential candidates, including former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Kamala Harris of California and South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, if their potential administrations would support covering healthcare for illegal immigrants. All 10 candidates on the stage raised their hands in the affirmative. Trump, who has made cracking down on illegal immigration a signature policy of his presidency, pounced via Twitter. "All Democrats just raised their hands for giving millions of illegal aliens unlimited healthcare. How about taking care of American Citizens first!? That’s the end of that race!" the Republican tweeted. Trump has promised to build a wall along the US border with Mexico and has declared a national emergency over the number of people crossing into the United States from the south. The president is in Osaka meeting with world leaders at the Group of 20 summit, but as is customary for him when he travels abroad, he was focused at least in part on goings-on back home. During a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Trump could not help mentioning the Democratic debate. “You know they have a debate going on,” he said to Merkel. “They had the first debate last night. I don’t know if you saw. It wasn’t very exciting, I can tell you that." Trump said he looked forward to spending time with Merkel rather than watching the show. The German leader, who worked closely with Republican President George W. Bush and Democratic President Barack Obama during her tenure, kept a straight face. Thursday was the second night of two debates among 20 candidates who are running for the Democratic presidential nomination to take on Trump in the November 2020 election. Trump's campaign said both nights would prove to be a boost for the White House incumbent. “The cast of characters may have changed, but the second night’s script was eerily like the first: a two-hour-long infomercial for President Donald J. Trump's re-election campaign," spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement. "All of the Democrats tripped over each other in a race to see who could stand out as the most leftist candidate, threatening government control of every aspect of people’s lives." Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale wrote on Twitter that the Democrats were offering everything from free college to free healthcare, houses, cars, boats, aeroplanes and ice cream. "Nobody has to work! Everyone just gets everything for FREE! Amazing!" he tweeted. Trump is fond of making fun of the Democratic candidates, assigning pejorative nicknames in the same way that he did to his Republican and Democratic opponents in 2016. On Thursday, the Republican National Committee, while refraining from nicknames, said the Democratic field was one of the extremists. "Their policies are extreme and out of touch with the realities facing everyday Americans," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.

'That's the end of that race!': Trump knocks Democrats over healthcare for immigrants

In this video have a look at BRICS Leaders Meet On Sidelines Of G20 Summit. Watch this video to know more in detail.

BRICS Leaders Meet On Sidelines Of G20 Summit

In this video have look at 'Welcome Ceremony' of the G20 Osaka Summit in Japan.

Japan: Welcome Ceremony of the G20 Osaka Summit

A Detailed Discussion On Various Crucial Issues On G-20 Summit So what should we expect from the G-20 summit? Palki speaks to Jason Thompson of Republican National Committee, Einar Tangen, political & economic commentator from Beijing and Meera Shankar, Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S.

Gravitas: What to expect from G20 summit? a discussion

PM Modi and US President Donald Trump had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. In this segment WION is in conversation with Brahma Chellaney , strategic analyst.

In conversation with Brahma Chellaney over Modi-Trump's bilateral meet

Media Briefing by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on India-US bilateral meeting on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Osaka.

G20 Summit: Briefing On Modi-Trump Bilateral Meet

In BRICS meet on sidelines of G20 summit, PM Modi highlights the issue of terror. Watch this video to know in detail.

In BRICS meet on sidelines of G20 summit, PM Modi highlights the issue of terror

US President Donald Trump made clear on Friday that trade was a top priority at a summit of leaders of Group of 20 nations, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned against rising protectionism and India and Russia defended multilateral trade rules.

Ahead of talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Trump said he would discuss trade, days after criticising the US-Japan security treaty and demanding New Delhi withdraw retaliatory tariffs.

"I think we’re going to have some very big things to announce. Very big trade deal. We’re doing some very big things with India in terms of trade, in terms of manufacturing," Trump said at the start of talks with Modi.

Trump also said he would discuss Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei with the Indian leader.

"We actually sell Huawei many of its parts," Trump said. "So we’re going to be discussing that and also how India fits in. And we’ll be discussing Huawei."

A White House official said Trump wanted to promote to Abe and Modi "a resilient quality secure infrastructure" — a reference to the US push with allies to keep the Chinese company out of next-generation telecoms networks.

Washington has pressed its allies to shun Huawei in their fifth generation, or 5G, networks on security grounds, but has also suggested it could be a factor in a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Trump meets on Saturday.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker flagged the shadow cast by the US-China trade feud.

"The trade relations between China and the United States are difficult, they are contributing to the slowdown of the global economy," he told a news conference.

Xi also warned about the protectionist steps he said some developed countries were taking.

"All this is destroying the global trade order... This also impacts common interests of our countries, overshadows the peace and stability worldwide," Xi told a gathering of leaders of the BRICS grouping of nations on the sidelines of the G20 meet.

Defending world trade rules

Modi at the same meeting called for a focus on reforming the World Trade Organisation and Putin decried what he called efforts to destroy the Geneva-based body.

"We consider counter-productive any attempts to destroy WTO or to lower its role," Putin said.

The situation of the global economy was worrying as global trade was feeling the effect of "protectionism (and) politically motivated restrictions," he added.

Trump also flagged trade at the start of his talks with Abe.

"We're going to be talking about a lot of things and we're also going to be talking about a lot of trade," Trump said.

"I appreciate the fact that you're sending many automobile companies into Michigan and Ohio and Pennsylvania and North Carolina," referring to US states critical to his effort to win re-election next year.

Trump said the two leaders would also discuss Japanese purchases of US military equipment, although a Japanese official said later the topic did not come up.

Tokyo and Washington are engaged in difficult trade talks as Trump's administration seeks to lower the US trade deficit.

Japanese Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were to meet later in Osaka.

Abe welcomed Trump's visit, calling their frequent meetings "proof of the strong US-Japan alliance".

Trump renewed his criticism of the US-Japan security alliance this week as unbalanced.

"We will go in and we will protect them and we will fight with our lives and with our treasure," he said in an interview on Wednesday with Fox television.

"We will fight at all costs, right? But if we’re attacked, Japan doesn’t have to help us at all. They can watch it on a Sony television, the attack."

Under the decades-old US-Japan security treaty, the United States has committed to defending Japan, which renounced the right to wage war after its defeat in World War Two.

Japan in return provides military bases that Washington uses to project power deep into Asia, including the biggest concentration of US Marines outside the United States on Okinawa, and the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group at the Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo.

After the Trump-Abe talks, a Japanese official told reporters the leaders had agreed to accelerate trade talks and had agreed the alliance was stronger than ever.

Trump, praised German Chancellor Angela Merkel as a "great friend of mine" as well as trade between their two countries.

US President Donald Trump made clear on Friday that trade was a top priority at a summit of leaders of Group of 20 nations, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned against rising protectionism and India and Russia defended multilateral trade rules.

US President Donald Trump made clear on Friday that trade was a top priority at a summit of leaders of Group of 20 nations, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned against rising protectionism and India and Russia defended multilateral trade rules. Ahead of talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Trump said he would discuss trade, days after criticising the US-Japan security treaty and demanding New Delhi withdraw retaliatory tariffs. "I think we’re going to have some very big things to announce. Very big trade deal. We’re doing some very big things with India in terms of trade, in terms of manufacturing," Trump said at the start of talks with Modi. Trump also said he would discuss Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei with the Indian leader. "We actually sell Huawei many of its parts," Trump said. "So we’re going to be discussing that and also how India fits in. And we’ll be discussing Huawei." A White House official said Trump wanted to promote to Abe and Modi "a resilient quality secure infrastructure" — a reference to the US push with allies to keep the Chinese company out of next-generation telecoms networks. Washington has pressed its allies to shun Huawei in their fifth generation, or 5G, networks on security grounds, but has also suggested it could be a factor in a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Trump meets on Saturday. European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker flagged the shadow cast by the US-China trade feud. "The trade relations between China and the United States are difficult, they are contributing to the slowdown of the global economy," he told a news conference. Xi also warned about the protectionist steps he said some developed countries were taking. "All this is destroying the global trade order... This also impacts common interests of our countries, overshadows the peace and stability worldwide," Xi told a gathering of leaders of the BRICS grouping of nations on the sidelines of the G20 meet. Defending world trade rules Modi at the same meeting called for a focus on reforming the World Trade Organisation and Putin decried what he called efforts to destroy the Geneva-based body. "We consider counter-productive any attempts to destroy WTO or to lower its role," Putin said. The situation of the global economy was worrying as global trade was feeling the effect of "protectionism (and) politically motivated restrictions," he added. Trump also flagged trade at the start of his talks with Abe. "We're going to be talking about a lot of things and we're also going to be talking about a lot of trade," Trump said. "I appreciate the fact that you're sending many automobile companies into Michigan and Ohio and Pennsylvania and North Carolina," referring to US states critical to his effort to win re-election next year. Trump said the two leaders would also discuss Japanese purchases of US military equipment, although a Japanese official said later the topic did not come up. Tokyo and Washington are engaged in difficult trade talks as Trump's administration seeks to lower the US trade deficit. Japanese Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were to meet later in Osaka. Abe welcomed Trump's visit, calling their frequent meetings "proof of the strong US-Japan alliance". Trump renewed his criticism of the US-Japan security alliance this week as unbalanced. "We will go in and we will protect them and we will fight with our lives and with our treasure," he said in an interview on Wednesday with Fox television. "We will fight at all costs, right? But if we’re attacked, Japan doesn’t have to help us at all. They can watch it on a Sony television, the attack." Under the decades-old US-Japan security treaty, the United States has committed to defending Japan, which renounced the right to wage war after its defeat in World War Two. Japan in return provides military bases that Washington uses to project power deep into Asia, including the biggest concentration of US Marines outside the United States on Okinawa, and the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group at the Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo. After the Trump-Abe talks, a Japanese official told reporters the leaders had agreed to accelerate trade talks and had agreed the alliance was stronger than ever. Trump, praised German Chancellor Angela Merkel as a "great friend of mine" as well as trade between their two countries.

Trump talks trade at G20, China's Xi warns against rising protectionism

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to meet US President Donald Trump for the first time to discuss "important regional matters", according to Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.&nbsp;

Quoting official sources, The Express Tribune reported on Friday that the meeting between the two leaders could take place in September when Imran will travel to US for the annual session of the UN General Assembly.

Relations between Pakistan and the US have remained tense during the Trump's tenure. The US president has publically said that Pakistan has given us "nothing but lies and deceit" and also suspended security and other assistance for backing terror groups.

The US has repeatedly asked Pakistan to end its support to the militant organisations operating from within its territory against India and Afghanistan.

Qureshi told reporters in Islamabad on Thursday that President Trump had extended an invitation to Premier Khan. However, the prime minister could not travel to Washington because of the budget session, the report said.

He said that dates for the expected meeting are being worked out by the two sides.

According to Qureshi, the US president expressed his desire to meet the premier to discuss "important regional matters".

Efforts for arranging the Imran-Trump meeting have been going on for months, the report said.&nbsp;

Some officials linked the two leaders' summit with possible positive outcome of the ongoing efforts seeking peace deal in Afghanistan.

Though the bilateral ties have been hit, the US president has expressed his desire to work with the Imran-led government.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to meet US President Donald Trump for the first time to discuss "important regional matters", according to Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to meet US President Donald Trump for the first time to discuss "important regional matters", according to Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Quoting official sources, The Express Tribune reported on Friday that the meeting between the two leaders could take place in September when Imran will travel to US for the annual session of the UN General Assembly. Relations between Pakistan and the US have remained tense during the Trump's tenure. The US president has publically said that Pakistan has given us "nothing but lies and deceit" and also suspended security and other assistance for backing terror groups. The US has repeatedly asked Pakistan to end its support to the militant organisations operating from within its territory against India and Afghanistan. Qureshi told reporters in Islamabad on Thursday that President Trump had extended an invitation to Premier Khan. However, the prime minister could not travel to Washington because of the budget session, the report said. He said that dates for the expected meeting are being worked out by the two sides. According to Qureshi, the US president expressed his desire to meet the premier to discuss "important regional matters". Efforts for arranging the Imran-Trump meeting have been going on for months, the report said. Some officials linked the two leaders' summit with possible positive outcome of the ongoing efforts seeking peace deal in Afghanistan. Though the bilateral ties have been hit, the US president has expressed his desire to work with the Imran-led government.

Pakistan eyeing first Imran-Trump meeting in September

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-our-countries-have-never-been-closer-trump-on-us-india-ties-231018">Narendra Modi held "productive"&nbsp;trilateral talks</a> with US President Donald Trump and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe in Osaka, Japan on Friday ahead of the formal opening of the G-20 Summit and extensively discussed issues of the Indo-Pacific region, connectivity and infrastructure development .

The discussion focused on how the three countries can together work together towards an open, stable and rule-based Indo-Pacific region. 
During the Japan-America-India trilateral meeting, Modi highlighted "the importance India attaches to" the grouping.

The main topic of discussion was Indo-Pacific, how the three countries can work together in terms of connectivity, infrastructure, ensuring peace and security, and working together to build upon this new concept, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

"Committed to a better future. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trade-in-focus-as-pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-us-president-trump-231014">Meeting of JAI (Japan-America-India)Trilateral takes place</a> in Osaka. PM @AbeShinzo welcomes the leaders. @POTUS congratulates Prime Ministers Modi and Abe for their electoral victories. PM Modi highlights the importance India attaches to JAI," the prime minister's office tweeted.

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Committed to a better future. 
 
Meeting of JAI (Japan-America-India)Trilateral takes place in Osaka. 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a> welcomes the leaders. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> congratulates Prime Ministers Modi and Abe for their electoral victories. 
 
PM Modi highlights the importance India attaches to JAI. <a href="https://t.co/IBjkzFuTKY">pic.twitter.com/IBjkzFuTKY</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1144403564590010368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Today's meeting of the JAI Trilateral was a productive one. We had extensive discussions on the Indo-Pacific region, improving connectivity and infrastructure development. Grateful to PM @AbeShinzo and President @realDonaldTrump for sharing their views as well," Modi tweeted later.

"2nd 'JAI' - Japan-America-India Trilateral Meeting between PM @narendramodi, Japanese PM @AbeShinzo &amp; POTUS @realDonaldTrump on margins of #G20 Summit. Discussion focused on how the 3 countries can together work together towards an open, stable &amp; rule-based Indo-Pacific region," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Twitter.

On Thursday, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Abe on the global economy, issues of fugitive economic offenders and disaster management.

Prime Minister Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin and other leaders during the June 28-29 summit.

This is be Modi's sixth G-20 Summit.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held "productive" trilateral talks with US President Donald Trump and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe in Osaka, Japan on Friday ahead of the formal opening of the G-20 Summit and extensively discussed issues of the Indo-Pacific region, connectivity and infrastructure development .

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held "productive" trilateral talks with US President Donald Trump and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe in Osaka, Japan on Friday ahead of the formal opening of the G-20 Summit and extensively discussed issues of the Indo-Pacific region, connectivity and infrastructure development . The discussion focused on how the three countries can together work together towards an open, stable and rule-based Indo-Pacific region. During the Japan-America-India trilateral meeting, Modi highlighted "the importance India attaches to" the grouping. The main topic of discussion was Indo-Pacific, how the three countries can work together in terms of connectivity, infrastructure, ensuring peace and security, and working together to build upon this new concept, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said. "Committed to a better future. Meeting of JAI (Japan-America-India)Trilateral takes place in Osaka. PM @AbeShinzo welcomes the leaders. @POTUS congratulates Prime Ministers Modi and Abe for their electoral victories. PM Modi highlights the importance India attaches to JAI," the prime minister's office tweeted. Committed to a better future. Meeting of JAI (Japan-America-India)Trilateral takes place in Osaka. PM @AbeShinzo welcomes the leaders. @POTUS congratulates Prime Ministers Modi and Abe for their electoral victories. PM Modi highlights the importance India attaches to JAI. pic.twitter.com/IBjkzFuTKY — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 28, 2019 × "Today's meeting of the JAI Trilateral was a productive one. We had extensive discussions on the Indo-Pacific region, improving connectivity and infrastructure development. Grateful to PM @AbeShinzo and President @realDonaldTrump for sharing their views as well," Modi tweeted later. "2nd 'JAI' - Japan-America-India Trilateral Meeting between PM @narendramodi, Japanese PM @AbeShinzo & POTUS @realDonaldTrump on margins of #G20 Summit. Discussion focused on how the 3 countries can together work together towards an open, stable & rule-based Indo-Pacific region," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Twitter. On Thursday, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Abe on the global economy, issues of fugitive economic offenders and disaster management. Prime Minister Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin and other leaders during the June 28-29 summit. This is be Modi's sixth G-20 Summit.

G20 Summit: PM Modi, Trump, Abe hold trilateral meeting; discuss Indo-Pacific, connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe here Friday ahead of the formal opening of the G-20 Summit.

JAI Trilateral: PM Modi's Meet With Trump, Abe Focused On Connectivity, Infra In Indo-Pacific

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump in Japan's Osaka on the sidelines of G20 Summit. The two leaders met shortly after the Japan-America-India trilateral meeting during which PM Modi highlighted "the importance of India attaches" the grouping.

G20 Summit: PM Modi, US President Trump discuss bilateral and global issues

Iran is on course to breach a threshold in its nuclear agreement within days by accumulating more enriched uranium than permitted, although it had not done so yet by a deadline it set for Thursday, diplomats said, citing UN inspectors' data.

A week after US President Donald Trump called off air strikes on Iran at the last minute, the prospect that Tehran could soon violate its nuclear commitments has created additional diplomatic urgency to find a way out of the crisis.

Iran had set Thursday as a deadline beyond which it would exceed the threshold for stockpiles of enriched uranium allowed under its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, which Tehran is still following even though Washington abandoned it last year.

The latest data from UN inspectors suggested Iran had not yet crossed the limit but was on course to do so within days, diplomats said in Vienna, headquarters of the UN nuclear agency the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"They haven't reached the limit. ... It's more likely to be at the weekend if they do it," said one diplomat, on condition of anonymity.

The US envoy on Iran, Brian Hook, met European officials in Paris on Thursday to discuss what he described as Iran's "nuclear blackmail".

France, one of the European countries caught in the middle, said it would ask Trump to suspend some sanctions on Iran to make room for negotiations to defuse the escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

"I want to convince Trump that it is in his interest to reopen a negotiation process (and) go back on certain sanctions to give negotiations a chance," French President Emmanuel Macron said in Japan, where he is due to meet Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in coming days.

The United States withdrew from the pact last year under which Iran accepted curbs on its nuclear programme in return for relief from economic sanctions. Iran has said it wants to abide by the agreement but cannot do so indefinitely because US sanctions mean it is receiving none of its benefits.

The escalating crisis has put the United States in the position of demanding its European allies enforce Iranian compliance with an accord Washington itself rejects.

"Our sanctions do not give Iran the right to accelerate its nuclear programme," Hook said in an interview before meeting European officials. "It can never get near a nuclear bomb. We are looking very closely at that so it doesn't get below the one year nuclear breakout time."

Macron said he had two priorities: de-escalating military tension and keeping Iran from violating the accord, which European countries still hope to save even though Trump ignored their pleas and abandoned it last year.

'Our demand is ... to sell our oil'

The confrontation, brewing for a year after Trump quit the pact, accelerated last month when the United States sharply tightened its sanctions to force countries to eliminate purchases of Iranian oil, Iran's main source of income.

US-Iranian military tensions have risen over the past two months. Washington accused Iran of carrying out attacks on six tankers, which Tehran denies, in May and June.

The United States submitted a report on the attacks to the U.N. Security Council on Thursday, assessing "with a high degree of confidence" that Iran was responsible, specifically Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) navy. In the case of attacks in May, it pointed to the IRGC navy's diver capability.

Last week, Iran shot down a US drone it said was in its airspace. The United States said it was in international skies.

Since the aborted air strikes last week, there have been no major incidents, but rhetoric on both sides has become menacing.

Trump said later he hoped to avoid war, but that if one took place it would be short and not involve boots on the ground. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted in response on Thursday that a "short war with Iran is an illusion", and the threat to obliterate Iran amounted to a threat of genocide.

Acting US Defense Secretary Mark Esper, seeking support from NATO allies in Brussels, said: "We do not seek armed conflict with Iran but we are ready to defend US forces and interests in the region."

The Trump administration says its ultimate goal is to force Iran back to the table for negotiations. It argues that the 2015 deal, negotiated under Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, was too weak because it is not permanent and does not cover non-nuclear issues, such as Iran's missile programme and regional behaviour.

Iran says it cannot negotiate further unless the United States observes the existing agreement and lifts sanctions.

Speaking before talks in Vienna on Friday with the remaining parties to the deal, an Iranian official said Tehran's main demand was to be able to sell as much oil as it did before Washington withdrew from the accord.

"What is our demand? Our demand is to be able to sell our oil and get the money back," the Iranian official told reporters in Vienna on condition of anonymity.

European powers are limited in their ability to shield Iran's economy from US sanctions and it is unclear what they can do to provide the large economic windfall Tehran wants.

Iran is on course to breach a threshold in its nuclear agreement within days by accumulating more enriched uranium than permitted, although it had not done so yet by a deadline it set for Thursday, diplomats said, citing UN inspectors' data.

Iran is on course to breach a threshold in its nuclear agreement within days by accumulating more enriched uranium than permitted, although it had not done so yet by a deadline it set for Thursday, diplomats said, citing UN inspectors' data. A week after US President Donald Trump called off air strikes on Iran at the last minute, the prospect that Tehran could soon violate its nuclear commitments has created additional diplomatic urgency to find a way out of the crisis. Iran had set Thursday as a deadline beyond which it would exceed the threshold for stockpiles of enriched uranium allowed under its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, which Tehran is still following even though Washington abandoned it last year. The latest data from UN inspectors suggested Iran had not yet crossed the limit but was on course to do so within days, diplomats said in Vienna, headquarters of the UN nuclear agency the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "They haven't reached the limit. ... It's more likely to be at the weekend if they do it," said one diplomat, on condition of anonymity. The US envoy on Iran, Brian Hook, met European officials in Paris on Thursday to discuss what he described as Iran's "nuclear blackmail". France, one of the European countries caught in the middle, said it would ask Trump to suspend some sanctions on Iran to make room for negotiations to defuse the escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran. "I want to convince Trump that it is in his interest to reopen a negotiation process (and) go back on certain sanctions to give negotiations a chance," French President Emmanuel Macron said in Japan, where he is due to meet Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in coming days. The United States withdrew from the pact last year under which Iran accepted curbs on its nuclear programme in return for relief from economic sanctions. Iran has said it wants to abide by the agreement but cannot do so indefinitely because US sanctions mean it is receiving none of its benefits. The escalating crisis has put the United States in the position of demanding its European allies enforce Iranian compliance with an accord Washington itself rejects. "Our sanctions do not give Iran the right to accelerate its nuclear programme," Hook said in an interview before meeting European officials. "It can never get near a nuclear bomb. We are looking very closely at that so it doesn't get below the one year nuclear breakout time." Macron said he had two priorities: de-escalating military tension and keeping Iran from violating the accord, which European countries still hope to save even though Trump ignored their pleas and abandoned it last year. 'Our demand is ... to sell our oil' The confrontation, brewing for a year after Trump quit the pact, accelerated last month when the United States sharply tightened its sanctions to force countries to eliminate purchases of Iranian oil, Iran's main source of income. US-Iranian military tensions have risen over the past two months. Washington accused Iran of carrying out attacks on six tankers, which Tehran denies, in May and June. The United States submitted a report on the attacks to the U.N. Security Council on Thursday, assessing "with a high degree of confidence" that Iran was responsible, specifically Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) navy. In the case of attacks in May, it pointed to the IRGC navy's diver capability. Last week, Iran shot down a US drone it said was in its airspace. The United States said it was in international skies. Since the aborted air strikes last week, there have been no major incidents, but rhetoric on both sides has become menacing. Trump said later he hoped to avoid war, but that if one took place it would be short and not involve boots on the ground. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted in response on Thursday that a "short war with Iran is an illusion", and the threat to obliterate Iran amounted to a threat of genocide. Acting US Defense Secretary Mark Esper, seeking support from NATO allies in Brussels, said: "We do not seek armed conflict with Iran but we are ready to defend US forces and interests in the region." The Trump administration says its ultimate goal is to force Iran back to the table for negotiations. It argues that the 2015 deal, negotiated under Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, was too weak because it is not permanent and does not cover non-nuclear issues, such as Iran's missile programme and regional behaviour. Iran says it cannot negotiate further unless the United States observes the existing agreement and lifts sanctions. Speaking before talks in Vienna on Friday with the remaining parties to the deal, an Iranian official said Tehran's main demand was to be able to sell as much oil as it did before Washington withdrew from the accord. "What is our demand? Our demand is to be able to sell our oil and get the money back," the Iranian official told reporters in Vienna on condition of anonymity. European powers are limited in their ability to shield Iran's economy from US sanctions and it is unclear what they can do to provide the large economic windfall Tehran wants.

Iran on course to exceed nuclear pact limit within days: Diplomats

PM Modi and US President Donald Trump had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. Watch this video to know more.

Modi-Trump bilateral on sidelines of G20 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit meeting on Friday.

The two leaders met shortly after the Japan-America-India (JAI) trilateral meeting during which Prime Minister&nbsp;Modi highlighted "the importance India attaches to" the grouping, the report added.

The Modi-Trump meeting assumes significance as the US president, championing his 'America First' policy, has been a vocal critic of India for levying "tremendously high" duties on US products.

Before his arrival in Japan on Thursday, Trump tweeted, "I look forward to speaking with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi about the fact that India, for years having put very high Tariffs against the United States, just recently increased the Tariffs even further. This is unacceptable and the Tariffs must be withdrawn!"

This was Modi's first meeting with Trump after the BJP's landslide win in the parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Focus on trade&nbsp;

The US President said he would be talking about trade with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the two leaders sit down for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit meeting on Friday.

Trump was speaking to reporters in the host city of Osaka, western Japan, ahead of a trilateral meeting with Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit meeting on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit meeting on Friday. The two leaders met shortly after the Japan-America-India (JAI) trilateral meeting during which Prime Minister Modi highlighted "the importance India attaches to" the grouping, the report added. The Modi-Trump meeting assumes significance as the US president, championing his 'America First' policy, has been a vocal critic of India for levying "tremendously high" duties on US products. Before his arrival in Japan on Thursday, Trump tweeted, "I look forward to speaking with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi about the fact that India, for years having put very high Tariffs against the United States, just recently increased the Tariffs even further. This is unacceptable and the Tariffs must be withdrawn!" This was Modi's first meeting with Trump after the BJP's landslide win in the parliamentary election. Focus on trade The US President said he would be talking about trade with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the two leaders sit down for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit meeting on Friday. Trump was speaking to reporters in the host city of Osaka, western Japan, ahead of a trilateral meeting with Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

G20 Summit: Trade in focus as PM Modi holds bilateral talks with US President Trump

India-U.S. seek to make breakthrough on trade dispute

G20 leaders are at Osaka meet for the gala dinner. Watch this video to know more.

G20 leaders at Osaka meet for gala dinner

PM Modi's fist bump with Trump, Abe steals the show at G20

G20 leaders' spouses attend various cultural programs in Osaka and Kyoto on the sidelines of the ongoing summit. Watch this video to know more.

G20 leaders' spouses attends various cultural programs

G20 leaders get a taste of Japanese culture

The Image Of A Father And Child Drowned In Rio Grande Has Reopened The Debate On Migration As photographs of the drowned father and child in Rio Grande emerge, Democrats target Trump. But is the issue of illegal migration so simple? Can a border wall or benevolence prevent the problem? Is it right to target Trump for everything that's wrong with migration? What can governments around the world do? Palki with a detailed analysis

Gravitas: The Immigration Debate: Why governments oppose immigration

Trump Opens A New Front In His Trade War. This Time, He Is Targeting India U.S. President Donald Trump made his G20 plans clear even before landing in Japan. Trump want India to withdraw high tariffs against the U.S. Is Trump planning to target India and derail the G20 summit? Palki explains

Gravitas: Will Trump derail the G20 summit?

Gravitas Ground Report From Osaka In Japan On The Eve Of The G-20 Summit As world's leaders get together in Japan's Osaka, here's a Gravitas ground report from the host city on the eve of the G-20 summit

Gravitas: World leaders start arriving for the G20 summit

Shinzo Abe said that Japan-U.S ties the key to building a better society

G20 Summit: Trump-Abe bilateral on G20 Summit sidelines

India Is In A Particularly Precarious Situation Due To The Worsening Of U.S.-Iran Ties India urges the U.S. to ensure that global energy supplies remain predictable. Now the crisis between the U.S and Iran can have a huge impact on Indian economy, afterall India imports nearly 85% of its oil needs. So what can India do? Palki takes a lot at the options available at the disposal of Indian government

Gravitas: The Iran impasse - What can India do?

By Bill Durodie

On June 28 and 29, the G20 summit will convene for the 14th time in Osaka, Japan. This gathering of leaders from the world’s leading economies, including the EU, plus invited guests and international organisations, ought to offer an important moment for mature reflection and collective coordination regarding the future needs of the world economy at a difficult time.

Instead, it is likely to descend either into directly confrontational rhetoric or, alternatively, empty promises and vague platitudes that avoid its mission to be the “premier forum for international economic cooperation”. The focus could end up being on more peripheral matters such as climate change, counter-terrorism, health and migration that are perceived of as being less contentious but should not be fundamental concerns of the G20.

The G20 is no stranger to crisis. It emerged from the 1997-98 Asian Financial Crisis that led G7 finance ministers (representing almost half of world GDP) to establish a wider group in order to engage with the major emerging economies. Then, in the wake of the 2007-08 global financial crisis, the group was further elevated to become a forum for heads of state.

In 2019, it is the continuing dispute between the US and China over trade that appears to loom largest. But this ought not be the main focus of the G20 either. As is well understood, trade wars are symptoms of underlying economic problems rather than their cause. The main focus ought to be on addressing those.

Trade and tariffs are not the fundamental drivers of growth and prosperity. Rather, these derive from domestic productivity levels in the making of goods and services that are, in their turn, driven by investment. To trade effectively, the key is to have something worth selling in the first place.

Tariffs, regulation, barriers

Unfortunately, the protectionist measures that had hastened the advent of World War II, and that were dismantled subsequently through the establishment of the GATT/WTO, led instead to a growing proliferation of non-tariff or technical barriers to trade. Rather than invest in new industries, older ones were sustained artificially behind a chaff of regulatory standards, intellectual property laws, state subsidies and public procurement policies.

Accordingly, assertions that we have been living through a time marked by a so-called “rules-based international trading system” fall very wide of the mark. All the evidence points to systematic attempts by the key players – and the United States in particular – to subvert any supposed “liberal world order”, both economically and militarily.

Now it may be, of course, that President Trump – who is certainly not the first US, or other, world leader to engage in such embargoes against China – understands full well that to compete internationally as a successful exporter it is the ability to produce efficiently at home that matters more than trade deals. Some of his pronouncements have reflected as much, looking to put pressure on manufacturers, such as Harley-Davidson and Nike, to bring their production back to its origins.

But, irrespective, the adverse effects of this approach are evident for all to see. Many American firms have warned the US Department of Commerce that such measures hurt both businesses and consumers alike. The latter invariably bear the brunt of any related price increases.

The IMF has cut its world economic growth forecast in accordance. And anyway, many enterprises will simply relocate elsewhere, such as to Vietnam, which is not currently on the receiving end of such additional duties.

A risky game

The deeper consequences, though, will take more time to become manifest. These include growing differences among the Western powers over how to handle the economic rise of the East.

This was seen recently, through the US stance towards its partners not using the Chinese firm Huawei to develop critical 5G infrastructure, despite its being the leading global player in the field. Such actions could come to damage relations with key allies, such as the UK and Germany.

In this regard, the US is playing a very risky game. With its relations veering towards a potential conflict with Iran, as well as its ongoing disputes with Russia and China, the US may yet come to rue antagonising its friends as well.

Or, at the very least, it may regret making them have to choose between their relations with the US and China. Only this week, the UK chancellor, Phillip Hammond launched the new Shanghai-London Stock Connect that looks set to deepen financial relations by facilitating investment between them.

This, and China’s recent decision not to pursue WTO market economy status, may also point to a growing maturity on its part in relation to such matters. Certainly, its most successful strategy in the past was always to keep a low profile on the international stage and avoid confrontation in foreign affairs, while focusing more on its domestic concerns.

Historically, it has often been extraneous circumstances that have accelerated change in world affairs more than any conscious push. The two powers that dominated each of the last two preceding centuries – the US and UK – did so as much through the decline and imperial overreach of their predecessors as through their own efforts. That, and its underlying crisis of innovation and investment, are what the US leadership would do well to reflect upon most in Osaka.

(Bill Durodie is Professor and Chair of International Relations, University of Bath)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/g20-us-china-trade-war-points-to-the-real-crisis-that-global-leaders-must-confront-119359">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Bill Durodie On June 28 and 29, the G20 summit will convene for the 14th time in Osaka, Japan. This gathering of leaders from the world’s leading economies, including the EU, plus invited guests and international organisations, ought to offer an important moment for mature reflection and collective coordination regarding the future needs of the world economy at a difficult time.

By Bill Durodie On June 28 and 29, the G20 summit will convene for the 14th time in Osaka, Japan. This gathering of leaders from the world’s leading economies, including the EU, plus invited guests and international organisations, ought to offer an important moment for mature reflection and collective coordination regarding the future needs of the world economy at a difficult time. Instead, it is likely to descend either into directly confrontational rhetoric or, alternatively, empty promises and vague platitudes that avoid its mission to be the “premier forum for international economic cooperation”. The focus could end up being on more peripheral matters such as climate change, counter-terrorism, health and migration that are perceived of as being less contentious but should not be fundamental concerns of the G20. The G20 is no stranger to crisis. It emerged from the 1997-98 Asian Financial Crisis that led G7 finance ministers (representing almost half of world GDP) to establish a wider group in order to engage with the major emerging economies. Then, in the wake of the 2007-08 global financial crisis, the group was further elevated to become a forum for heads of state. In 2019, it is the continuing dispute between the US and China over trade that appears to loom largest. But this ought not be the main focus of the G20 either. As is well understood, trade wars are symptoms of underlying economic problems rather than their cause. The main focus ought to be on addressing those. Trade and tariffs are not the fundamental drivers of growth and prosperity. Rather, these derive from domestic productivity levels in the making of goods and services that are, in their turn, driven by investment. To trade effectively, the key is to have something worth selling in the first place. Tariffs, regulation, barriers Unfortunately, the protectionist measures that had hastened the advent of World War II, and that were dismantled subsequently through the establishment of the GATT/WTO, led instead to a growing proliferation of non-tariff or technical barriers to trade. Rather than invest in new industries, older ones were sustained artificially behind a chaff of regulatory standards, intellectual property laws, state subsidies and public procurement policies. Accordingly, assertions that we have been living through a time marked by a so-called “rules-based international trading system” fall very wide of the mark. All the evidence points to systematic attempts by the key players – and the United States in particular – to subvert any supposed “liberal world order”, both economically and militarily. Now it may be, of course, that President Trump – who is certainly not the first US, or other, world leader to engage in such embargoes against China – understands full well that to compete internationally as a successful exporter it is the ability to produce efficiently at home that matters more than trade deals. Some of his pronouncements have reflected as much, looking to put pressure on manufacturers, such as Harley-Davidson and Nike, to bring their production back to its origins. But, irrespective, the adverse effects of this approach are evident for all to see. Many American firms have warned the US Department of Commerce that such measures hurt both businesses and consumers alike. The latter invariably bear the brunt of any related price increases. The IMF has cut its world economic growth forecast in accordance. And anyway, many enterprises will simply relocate elsewhere, such as to Vietnam, which is not currently on the receiving end of such additional duties. A risky game The deeper consequences, though, will take more time to become manifest. These include growing differences among the Western powers over how to handle the economic rise of the East. This was seen recently, through the US stance towards its partners not using the Chinese firm Huawei to develop critical 5G infrastructure, despite its being the leading global player in the field. Such actions could come to damage relations with key allies, such as the UK and Germany. In this regard, the US is playing a very risky game. With its relations veering towards a potential conflict with Iran, as well as its ongoing disputes with Russia and China, the US may yet come to rue antagonising its friends as well. Or, at the very least, it may regret making them have to choose between their relations with the US and China. Only this week, the UK chancellor, Phillip Hammond launched the new Shanghai-London Stock Connect that looks set to deepen financial relations by facilitating investment between them. This, and China’s recent decision not to pursue WTO market economy status, may also point to a growing maturity on its part in relation to such matters. Certainly, its most successful strategy in the past was always to keep a low profile on the international stage and avoid confrontation in foreign affairs, while focusing more on its domestic concerns. Historically, it has often been extraneous circumstances that have accelerated change in world affairs more than any conscious push. The two powers that dominated each of the last two preceding centuries – the US and UK – did so as much through the decline and imperial overreach of their predecessors as through their own efforts. That, and its underlying crisis of innovation and investment, are what the US leadership would do well to reflect upon most in Osaka. (Bill Durodie is Professor and Chair of International Relations, University of Bath) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

US-China trade war points to the real crisis that global leaders must confront at G20 Summit

US President Donald Trump said that a war with Iran would not “last very long” or involve ground troops, as he seemingly dismissed warnings that limited US military action could spiral into a larger conflict. Trump reiterated his desire to avoid a war but said “we’re in a very strong position if something should happen.”

Donald Trump says war with Iran would not involve ground troops or last long

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