The politics over the expansion of G-7 is heating up. It has been reduced to a symbolic global body during the pandemic.

It now wants to be substantive, leading the bid for its revival is the United States. Trump&nbsp;made the first move, he thinks the body has become outdated and that it has failed to reflect the present international scenario.

The G-7 is an inter-governmental economic organization which consists of the seven largest and advanced economies in the world - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

It exchanges ideas on possible solutions to a global economic crisis and discusses matters of mutual interest.

So why are nations like India and China not a member of the body? After all, they are the world's second and fifth largest economies respectively. The reason that has been given till date is the relatively low level of wealth per head of population.

A reason that apparently makes these two nations - India and China - not deemed to be advanced economies&nbsp;but now the United States wants to change this. It wants to expand the body to a G-11 in all likelihood.

The seven economies that are right now a part of this body were amongst the most advanced when the group was established&nbsp;but over the years economies like India, China, Australia and Russia and some others have developed into major economic forces.

So, America wants these economies to sit on the high table. It has invited more guests like India, Australia, Russia and South Korea. America wants to leave China out for obvious reasons and the United Kingdom and Canada agree.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the British PM Boris Johnson are with US over keeping China out of the economic high table. South Korea hasn't taken any side, the rest too have chosen to stay neutral. One country thinks this is unfair, China's immediate neighbour and once America's biggest foe - Russia.

It has agreed to the expansion of G7 but not without China. Maria Zakharova, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said: "The idea of an expanded G-7 summit is a step in the right direction but does not really mean a true representation."

"It is obvious that it is hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China," the foreign ministry spokesman asserted.

Moscow is purposely pretending to miss the point - America's point is to punish China for lying about the pandemic and sending the global economies into disarray, however. Russia just doesn't agree. Also, it hasn't forgotten how it was removed from the body in 2014 after it captured the Crimea region in Ukraine and was shown the door.

Six years have passed and a lot has changed. China is now the biggest enemy for America - the self-proclaimed leader of the G-7. It wants to win over Russia while cornering the Chinese regime. Moscow has been unrelenting in its pursuit.

The politics over the expansion of G-7 is heating up. It has been reduced to a symbolic global body during the pandemic. It now wants to be substantive, leading the bid for its revival is the United States.

The politics over the expansion of G-7 is heating up. It has been reduced to a symbolic global body during the pandemic. It now wants to be substantive, leading the bid for its revival is the United States. Trump made the first move, he thinks the body has become outdated and that it has failed to reflect the present international scenario. The G-7 is an inter-governmental economic organization which consists of the seven largest and advanced economies in the world - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. It exchanges ideas on possible solutions to a global economic crisis and discusses matters of mutual interest. So why are nations like India and China not a member of the body? After all, they are the world's second and fifth largest economies respectively. The reason that has been given till date is the relatively low level of wealth per head of population. A reason that apparently makes these two nations - India and China - not deemed to be advanced economies but now the United States wants to change this. It wants to expand the body to a G-11 in all likelihood. The seven economies that are right now a part of this body were amongst the most advanced when the group was established but over the years economies like India, China, Australia and Russia and some others have developed into major economic forces. So, America wants these economies to sit on the high table. It has invited more guests like India, Australia, Russia and South Korea. America wants to leave China out for obvious reasons and the United Kingdom and Canada agree. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the British PM Boris Johnson are with US over keeping China out of the economic high table. South Korea hasn't taken any side, the rest too have chosen to stay neutral. One country thinks this is unfair, China's immediate neighbour and once America's biggest foe - Russia. It has agreed to the expansion of G7 but not without China. Maria Zakharova, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said: "The idea of an expanded G-7 summit is a step in the right direction but does not really mean a true representation." "It is obvious that it is hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China," the foreign ministry spokesman asserted. Moscow is purposely pretending to miss the point - America's point is to punish China for lying about the pandemic and sending the global economies into disarray, however. Russia just doesn't agree. Also, it hasn't forgotten how it was removed from the body in 2014 after it captured the Crimea region in Ukraine and was shown the door. Six years have passed and a lot has changed. China is now the biggest enemy for America - the self-proclaimed leader of the G-7. It wants to win over Russia while cornering the Chinese regime. Moscow has been unrelenting in its pursuit.

Expanding G-7: Now, Russia pitches for China's inclusion

PM Modi's meeting with French President Macron is a major diplomatic victory. France echoed India's stance on Kashmir issue, rooted for India's involvement in G7, promised to deliver the first Rafale jet next moment and demonstrated interest to take the bilateral ties to the next level.

WION Gravitas: Key takeaways from Modi-Macron meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed a session on 'Biodiversity, Oceans, Climate'&nbsp;at G-7 summit here and highlighted India's efforts at eliminating the single-use of plastic, conserving water and harnessing solar energy.

The Prime Minister underlined India's contribution to addressing climate change, water stress, and ocean pollution.

He also spoke about India's efforts at harnessing solar energy and protecting flora and fauna.

"At the @G7 Summit in Biarritz, I addressed the session on 'Biodiversity, Oceans, Climate.'&nbsp;Highlighted India's large scale efforts towards eliminating single-use plastic, conserving water, harnessing solar energy and, protecting flora and fauna for a sustainable future," Modi said in a tweet.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
At the <a href="https://twitter.com/G7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@G7</a> Summit in Biarritz, I addressed the session on ‘Biodiversity, Oceans, Climate.’ Highlighted India’s large scale efforts towards eliminating single use plastic, conserving water, harnessing solar energy and, protecting flora and fauna for a sustainable future. <a href="https://t.co/djS5ksgVEZ">pic.twitter.com/djS5ksgVEZ</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1165933677727092736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The session was attended by several world leaders. India is not a member of G-7 grouping but Prime Minister Modi has been personally invited by French President Emmanuel Macron.

India and France have a shared commitment to effectively combat climate change and loss of biodiversity.

It is worth mentioning that Prime Minister Modi and then French President Francois Hollande had jointly launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in November 2015 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed a session on 'Biodiversity, Oceans, Climate' at G-7 summit here and highlighted India's efforts at eliminating the single-use of plastic, conserving water and harnessing solar energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed a session on 'Biodiversity, Oceans, Climate' at G-7 summit here and highlighted India's efforts at eliminating the single-use of plastic, conserving water and harnessing solar energy. The Prime Minister underlined India's contribution to addressing climate change, water stress, and ocean pollution. He also spoke about India's efforts at harnessing solar energy and protecting flora and fauna. "At the @G7 Summit in Biarritz, I addressed the session on 'Biodiversity, Oceans, Climate.' Highlighted India's large scale efforts towards eliminating single-use plastic, conserving water, harnessing solar energy and, protecting flora and fauna for a sustainable future," Modi said in a tweet. At the @G7 Summit in Biarritz, I addressed the session on ‘Biodiversity, Oceans, Climate.’ Highlighted India’s large scale efforts towards eliminating single use plastic, conserving water, harnessing solar energy and, protecting flora and fauna for a sustainable future. pic.twitter.com/djS5ksgVEZ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 26, 2019 × The session was attended by several world leaders. India is not a member of G-7 grouping but Prime Minister Modi has been personally invited by French President Emmanuel Macron. India and France have a shared commitment to effectively combat climate change and loss of biodiversity. It is worth mentioning that Prime Minister Modi and then French President Francois Hollande had jointly launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in November 2015 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.

PM Narendra Modi highlights India's efforts for sustainable future at G-7 summit

An isolated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-vladimir-putin-voices-cautious-optimism-on-ukraine-in-meeting-with-french-president-emmanuel-macron-244252">President Donald Trump arrived Saturday for the G7 summit </a>in Biarritz bearing threats of tariffs against host France and a decision to deepen his trade war with China, despite fears of the US or even global recession.

Trump dislikes the kind of multilateral forums epitomized by the G7, insisting on a policy of "America first" and his skills, honed in a real estate career, of one-to-one deal-making.

Ahead of the summit in the elegant French seaside resort, he has criticized most of his partners, rowing with them over Iran, trade, global warming and Brexit.

And on the eve of his trip, he brushed aside concerns of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-hits-over-the-six-year-peak-on-risk-off-sentiment-242745"> global economic slowdown </a>to exchange new tariffs with China, insisting "we'll win."

In another piece of brinkmanship, he also confirmed right before departing on the Marine One helicopter that he would retaliate against France's iconic wine exports if President Emmanuel Macron didn't retreat on a new tax that will hit US digital giants like Google.

"We'll be taxing their wine as they've never seen before," he vowed.

The other G7 leaders from&nbsp;Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, are waiting for Trump with a mixture of alarm and resignation.

Macron has even decided that for the first time the G7 won't issue a group statement at the end of the summit, given the extent of divisions.&nbsp;

At last year's meeting in Canada, Trump withdrew his signature in fury at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.&nbsp;

It would be "pointless," Macron said.

Is the World economy at stake?&nbsp;

Other G7 leaders are already alarmed at the fallout from the escalating US-China trade war.

But Trump, bullish as ever, steeply ramped up tariffs against China on Friday after Beijing slapped its new tariffs against US products.

Trump says he alone can take on the Chinese after decades of intellectual property theft and a slate of other unfair trading practices.

He called the struggle "a little spat."

At the G7 he is expected to seek allies, but the other leaders are deeply sceptical about whether Trump's crusade can ever succeed or&nbsp;whether it will tip a slowing world economy over the edge.

The first working event of the G7 will be a session early Sunday that the White House specifically asked at the "last minute" to be added to the agenda: a meeting of the leaders on economic growth.

Trump will tell his partners "to write&nbsp;the rules for this century, in contrast to the unfair trade practices that we see coming out of China," a senior administration official told reporters.

Trump will also urge the Europeans, Canada and Japan to shake up their economies along US lines.

"You’ll have the president engaging in honest conversations," the official said.

Cozy no more

Despite the diplomatic storm clouds gathering over Biarritz, on the Atlantic coast, Trump said the trip "will be very productive."

But there are questions over the future of the G7 as Trump's nationalist approach turns it into something more like a 6+1.

G7s always used to be cozy affairs, giving the leaders of like-minded, capitalist democracies a chance to relax and talk frankly in the context of largely shared values.

However, there is increasingly little common ground between Trump and what would ordinarily be among the closest of US allies.

Yet another diplomatic&nbsp;hand grenade went off days before the trip, when Trump reiterated his desire to recreate the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-seeks-ukraine-progress-from-putin-in-rare-pre-g7-talks-243465">G8 format with Russia</a>, expelled in 2014 after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Crimea.

Other G7 leaders have rebuffed this, but Trump, who will host the G7 next year, is unlikely to give up easily.

Another point of contention is Brexit, the chaotic decision by Britain to quit the European Union.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has staked much on striking a bilateral trade deal with the United States as a key step in his country's new go-it-alone strategy.

While Johnson finds it tough going with Merkel and Macron, he's likely to encounter a much warmer Trump, who says the EU has "not treated the UK very well."

An isolated President Donald Trump arrived Saturday for the G7 summit in Biarritz bearing threats of tariffs against host France and a decision to deepen his trade war with China, despite fears of the US or even global recession.

An isolated President Donald Trump arrived Saturday for the G7 summit in Biarritz bearing threats of tariffs against host France and a decision to deepen his trade war with China, despite fears of the US or even global recession. Trump dislikes the kind of multilateral forums epitomized by the G7, insisting on a policy of "America first" and his skills, honed in a real estate career, of one-to-one deal-making. Ahead of the summit in the elegant French seaside resort, he has criticized most of his partners, rowing with them over Iran, trade, global warming and Brexit. And on the eve of his trip, he brushed aside concerns of global economic slowdown to exchange new tariffs with China, insisting "we'll win." In another piece of brinkmanship, he also confirmed right before departing on the Marine One helicopter that he would retaliate against France's iconic wine exports if President Emmanuel Macron didn't retreat on a new tax that will hit US digital giants like Google. "We'll be taxing their wine as they've never seen before," he vowed. The other G7 leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, are waiting for Trump with a mixture of alarm and resignation. Macron has even decided that for the first time the G7 won't issue a group statement at the end of the summit, given the extent of divisions. At last year's meeting in Canada, Trump withdrew his signature in fury at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It would be "pointless," Macron said. Is the World economy at stake? Other G7 leaders are already alarmed at the fallout from the escalating US-China trade war. But Trump, bullish as ever, steeply ramped up tariffs against China on Friday after Beijing slapped its new tariffs against US products. Trump says he alone can take on the Chinese after decades of intellectual property theft and a slate of other unfair trading practices. He called the struggle "a little spat." At the G7 he is expected to seek allies, but the other leaders are deeply sceptical about whether Trump's crusade can ever succeed or whether it will tip a slowing world economy over the edge. The first working event of the G7 will be a session early Sunday that the White House specifically asked at the "last minute" to be added to the agenda: a meeting of the leaders on economic growth. Trump will tell his partners "to write the rules for this century, in contrast to the unfair trade practices that we see coming out of China," a senior administration official told reporters. Trump will also urge the Europeans, Canada and Japan to shake up their economies along US lines. "You’ll have the president engaging in honest conversations," the official said. Cozy no more Despite the diplomatic storm clouds gathering over Biarritz, on the Atlantic coast, Trump said the trip "will be very productive." But there are questions over the future of the G7 as Trump's nationalist approach turns it into something more like a 6+1. G7s always used to be cozy affairs, giving the leaders of like-minded, capitalist democracies a chance to relax and talk frankly in the context of largely shared values. However, there is increasingly little common ground between Trump and what would ordinarily be among the closest of US allies. Yet another diplomatic hand grenade went off days before the trip, when Trump reiterated his desire to recreate the G8 format with Russia, expelled in 2014 after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Crimea. Other G7 leaders have rebuffed this, but Trump, who will host the G7 next year, is unlikely to give up easily. Another point of contention is Brexit, the chaotic decision by Britain to quit the European Union. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has staked much on striking a bilateral trade deal with the United States as a key step in his country's new go-it-alone strategy. While Johnson finds it tough going with Merkel and Macron, he's likely to encounter a much warmer Trump, who says the EU has "not treated the UK very well."

Isolated Donald Trump descends on G-7, talking trade war

The US blamed Canada on Sunday for the disastrous ending to the G7 summit, saying Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "stabbed us in the back," while American allies held Washington responsible.

Just minutes after a joint communique, approved by the leaders of the Group of Seven allies, was published in Canada's summit host city Quebec, US President Donald Trump launched a Twitter broadside, taking exception to comments made by Trudeau at a news conference.

"He really kinda stabbed us in the back," top US economic advisor Larry Kudlow said of Trudeau on CNN's "State of the Union."

"He did a great disservice to the whole G7."

"We went through it. We agreed. We compromised on the communique. We joined the communique in good faith," Kudlow said.

US trade advisor Peter Navarro, speaking on "Fox News Sunday," reinforced that message.

"There's a special place in hell for any foreign leader that engages in bad-faith diplomacy with President Donald J. Trump and then tries to stab him in the back on the way out the door," he said.

"That's what bad-faith Justin Trudeau did with that stunt press conference. That's what weak, dishonest Justin Trudeau did."

Kudlow sought to tie Trump's reaction to the upcoming summit with Kim Jong Un, saying the North Korean leader "must not see American weakness."

Trump -- who has a history of hair-trigger responses to slights -- landed in Singapore on Sunday for the Tuesday summit meeting with Kim.

Before his departure from Canada the previous day, he tweeted: "Based on Justin's false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our US farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our US Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the US Market!"

Insulting

"PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that ... he 'will not be pushed around.' Very dishonest & weak," Trump said in his tweet.

Trudeau had told reporters that Trump's decision to invoke national security to justify US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports was "kind of insulting" to Canadian veterans who had stood by their US allies in conflicts dating back to World War I.

"Canadians are polite and reasonable but we will also not be pushed around," he said.

Trudeau said he had told Trump "it would be with regret but it would be with absolute clarity and firmness that we move forward with retaliatory measures on July 1, applying equivalent tariffs to the ones that the Americans have unjustly applied to us."

After Trump's angry tweets, Trudeau's office issued a brief response: "We are focused on everything we accomplished here at the G7 summit. The Prime Minister said nothing he hasn't said before -- both in public, and in private conversations with the president."

The outburst against Trudeau, and by association the other G7 members, is only the latest incident in which Trump has clashed with America's closest allies, even as he has had warm words for autocrats like Kim and Russia's Vladimir Putin.

Throwaway remarks

French President Emmanuel Macron's office reacted Sunday by saying that "international cooperation cannot be dictated by fits of anger and throwaway remarks."

Reneging on the commitments agreed in the communique showed "incoherence and inconsistency," it said in a statement.

And German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted Sunday that Trump had partly "destroyed" Washington's trusting relationship with Europe by pulling out of the joint communique.

When Trump left Quebec, it was thought that a compromise had been reached, despite the tension and the determination of European leaders Macron and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany to push back against the US president's protectionist policies.

Officials from European delegations quickly leaked copies of the joint statement, and it was published online moments before Trump tweeted.

On board Air Force One, an AFP reporter was told that Trump had approved the agreement, only to be told later of the tweets. A senior US administration official said that Trump had been angered by Trudeau's comments.

The gig is up

The joint communique that was thrashed out over two days of negotiations vowed that members would reform multilateral oversight through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and seek to cut tariffs.

"We commit to modernize the WTO to make it more fair as soon as possible. We strive to reduce tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers and subsidies," it said, reflecting the typical language of decades of G7 statements.

But Trump had already said he would not hesitate to shut countries out of the US market if they retaliate against his tariffs.

"The European Union is brutal to the United States... They know it," he insisted in his departing news conference. "When I'm telling them, they're smiling at me. You know, it's like the gig is up."

European officials said Trump had tried to water down the language in the draft communique on the WTO and rules-based trade. In the end, that language stayed in and it was only on climate change that no consensus was reached.

'He did a great disservice to the whole G7', Larry Kudlow added

The US blamed Canada on Sunday for the disastrous ending to the G7 summit, saying Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "stabbed us in the back," while American allies held Washington responsible. Just minutes after a joint communique, approved by the leaders of the Group of Seven allies, was published in Canada's summit host city Quebec, US President Donald Trump launched a Twitter broadside, taking exception to comments made by Trudeau at a news conference. "He really kinda stabbed us in the back," top US economic advisor Larry Kudlow said of Trudeau on CNN's "State of the Union." "He did a great disservice to the whole G7." "We went through it. We agreed. We compromised on the communique. We joined the communique in good faith," Kudlow said. US trade advisor Peter Navarro, speaking on "Fox News Sunday," reinforced that message. "There's a special place in hell for any foreign leader that engages in bad-faith diplomacy with President Donald J. Trump and then tries to stab him in the back on the way out the door," he said. "That's what bad-faith Justin Trudeau did with that stunt press conference. That's what weak, dishonest Justin Trudeau did." Kudlow sought to tie Trump's reaction to the upcoming summit with Kim Jong Un, saying the North Korean leader "must not see American weakness." Trump -- who has a history of hair-trigger responses to slights -- landed in Singapore on Sunday for the Tuesday summit meeting with Kim. Before his departure from Canada the previous day, he tweeted: "Based on Justin's false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our US farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our US Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the US Market!" Insulting "PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that ... he 'will not be pushed around.' Very dishonest & weak," Trump said in his tweet. Trudeau had told reporters that Trump's decision to invoke national security to justify US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports was "kind of insulting" to Canadian veterans who had stood by their US allies in conflicts dating back to World War I. "Canadians are polite and reasonable but we will also not be pushed around," he said. Trudeau said he had told Trump "it would be with regret but it would be with absolute clarity and firmness that we move forward with retaliatory measures on July 1, applying equivalent tariffs to the ones that the Americans have unjustly applied to us." After Trump's angry tweets, Trudeau's office issued a brief response: "We are focused on everything we accomplished here at the G7 summit. The Prime Minister said nothing he hasn't said before -- both in public, and in private conversations with the president." The outburst against Trudeau, and by association the other G7 members, is only the latest incident in which Trump has clashed with America's closest allies, even as he has had warm words for autocrats like Kim and Russia's Vladimir Putin. Throwaway remarks French President Emmanuel Macron's office reacted Sunday by saying that "international cooperation cannot be dictated by fits of anger and throwaway remarks." Reneging on the commitments agreed in the communique showed "incoherence and inconsistency," it said in a statement. And German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted Sunday that Trump had partly "destroyed" Washington's trusting relationship with Europe by pulling out of the joint communique. When Trump left Quebec, it was thought that a compromise had been reached, despite the tension and the determination of European leaders Macron and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany to push back against the US president's protectionist policies. Officials from European delegations quickly leaked copies of the joint statement, and it was published online moments before Trump tweeted. On board Air Force One, an AFP reporter was told that Trump had approved the agreement, only to be told later of the tweets. A senior US administration official said that Trump had been angered by Trudeau's comments. The gig is up The joint communique that was thrashed out over two days of negotiations vowed that members would reform multilateral oversight through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and seek to cut tariffs. "We commit to modernize the WTO to make it more fair as soon as possible. We strive to reduce tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers and subsidies," it said, reflecting the typical language of decades of G7 statements. But Trump had already said he would not hesitate to shut countries out of the US market if they retaliate against his tariffs. "The European Union is brutal to the United States... They know it," he insisted in his departing news conference. "When I'm telling them, they're smiling at me. You know, it's like the gig is up." European officials said Trump had tried to water down the language in the draft communique on the WTO and rules-based trade. In the end, that language stayed in and it was only on climate change that no consensus was reached.

US blames Canada for G7 fiasco, says Trudeau 'stabbed us in the back'

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday dismissed criticism by the Group of 7 nations as "creative babbling" and said it was time to start cooperating again.

"I believe it's necessary to stop this creative babbling and shift to concrete issues related to real cooperation," Putin told reporters in the Chinese city of Qingdao, when asked to comment on a G7 joint statement.&nbsp

He also said the G7 countries had "again" failed to provide any evidence that Russia was behind the poisoning of a former double agent and his daughter in Britain in March.

G7 leaders demanded Saturday that Russia stop what they described as attempts to undermine democracy and support for the Syrian regime as they closed the door on Moscow's readmission to the club.

The G7 endorsed Britain's accusation that Moscow was behind the poisoning attack in the southwest of England on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

"We share and agree with the United Kingdom's assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation was responsible for the attack, and that there is no plausible alternative explanation," the G7 statement said.

As in the past, Putin took issue with the phrase "highly likely", saying that G7 nations' solidarity was based on "flimsy ground."

We never left

"Everyone demonstrated solidarity with London over a certain event in Salisbury but nothing concrete was said again," Putin said.

The statement made no mention of Russia being invited back into the group from which it was kicked out in response to its 2014 annexation of Crimea, despite US President Donald Trump's insistence that the club would be better off if it brought Russia back into the fold.

Putin said it was not Russia's decision to quit the G7, saying he would be happy to see G7 leaders in Russia.

"As for Russia's return to the G7, G8 -- we never left it," he said. "Back in the day colleagues refused to come to Russia due to certain reasons. Please, we would be happy to see everyone in Moscow."

The Kremlin leader did not miss an opportunity to thumb his nose at the club of leading industrialised democracies, saying that the combined purchasing power of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ---which includes Russia and China -- outstripped the G7.

At the same time he downplayed tensions at the acrimonious G7 meeting in Quebec City, after Trump disowned the joint summit statement and lambasted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"Things happen," Putin said. "One has to treat this in a calm manner and without any irony whatsoever."

&nbsp

Putin also said the G7 countries had 'again' failed to provide any evidence that Russia was behind the poisoning of a former double agent and his daughter in Britain in March

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday dismissed criticism by the Group of 7 nations as "creative babbling" and said it was time to start cooperating again. "I believe it's necessary to stop this creative babbling and shift to concrete issues related to real cooperation," Putin told reporters in the Chinese city of Qingdao, when asked to comment on a G7 joint statement. He also said the G7 countries had "again" failed to provide any evidence that Russia was behind the poisoning of a former double agent and his daughter in Britain in March. G7 leaders demanded Saturday that Russia stop what they described as attempts to undermine democracy and support for the Syrian regime as they closed the door on Moscow's readmission to the club. The G7 endorsed Britain's accusation that Moscow was behind the poisoning attack in the southwest of England on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. "We share and agree with the United Kingdom's assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation was responsible for the attack, and that there is no plausible alternative explanation," the G7 statement said. As in the past, Putin took issue with the phrase "highly likely", saying that G7 nations' solidarity was based on "flimsy ground." We never left "Everyone demonstrated solidarity with London over a certain event in Salisbury but nothing concrete was said again," Putin said. The statement made no mention of Russia being invited back into the group from which it was kicked out in response to its 2014 annexation of Crimea, despite US President Donald Trump's insistence that the club would be better off if it brought Russia back into the fold. Putin said it was not Russia's decision to quit the G7, saying he would be happy to see G7 leaders in Russia. "As for Russia's return to the G7, G8 -- we never left it," he said. "Back in the day colleagues refused to come to Russia due to certain reasons. Please, we would be happy to see everyone in Moscow." The Kremlin leader did not miss an opportunity to thumb his nose at the club of leading industrialised democracies, saying that the combined purchasing power of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ---which includes Russia and China -- outstripped the G7. At the same time he downplayed tensions at the acrimonious G7 meeting in Quebec City, after Trump disowned the joint summit statement and lambasted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "Things happen," Putin said. "One has to treat this in a calm manner and without any irony whatsoever."

Putin dismisses G7 criticism as 'babbling', calls for cooperation

United States President Donald Trump, who is attending two-day Group of Seven summit in Canada`s La Malbaie, reportedly pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies at the summit.

"We should at least consider no tariffs, no barriers - scrapping all of it," the US media reported Trump, as saying to the assembled leaders. Trump`s latest suggestion is ironic as it comes amid a tit-for-tat trade war, which the US President launched lately.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly challenged Trump`s remarks, asking, "What about subsidies?"Politico reported that leaders present for the meeting took Trump`s suggestion as largely rhetorical.

Optimistically responding to Trump`s suggestion, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is reported to have told him, "We`ll take it as a starting point."

Earlier&nbsp;on Friday, Trump had a spat with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Twitter, lashing out at them in a series of tweets over the criticism on U.S` imposition of trade tariff."Why isn`t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the US. Totally unfair to our farmers, workers and companies. Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!" Trump tweeted&nbsp;on Friday.

"Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the US and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things...but he doesn`t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy - hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!," Trump wrote in another tweet.

In another Twitter post, Trump wrote, "Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the US massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers. The EU trade surplus with the US is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them&nbsp;tomorrow."

On May 31, the US had announced the imposition of 25 and 10 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU).

Justin Trudeau reportedly challenged Trump`s remarks, asking, What about subsidies? Politico reported that leaders present for the meeting took Trump`s suggestion as largely rhetorical

United States President Donald Trump, who is attending two-day Group of Seven summit in Canada`s La Malbaie, reportedly pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies at the summit. "We should at least consider no tariffs, no barriers - scrapping all of it," the US media reported Trump, as saying to the assembled leaders. Trump`s latest suggestion is ironic as it comes amid a tit-for-tat trade war, which the US President launched lately. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly challenged Trump`s remarks, asking, "What about subsidies?"Politico reported that leaders present for the meeting took Trump`s suggestion as largely rhetorical. Optimistically responding to Trump`s suggestion, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is reported to have told him, "We`ll take it as a starting point." Earlier on Friday, Trump had a spat with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Twitter, lashing out at them in a series of tweets over the criticism on U.S` imposition of trade tariff."Why isn`t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the US. Totally unfair to our farmers, workers and companies. Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!" Trump tweeted on Friday. "Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the US and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things...but he doesn`t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy - hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!," Trump wrote in another tweet. In another Twitter post, Trump wrote, "Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the US massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers. The EU trade surplus with the US is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them tomorrow." On May 31, the US had announced the imposition of 25 and 10 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU).

Trump pitches ending trade tariffs at G-7 summit: Reports

Leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations are set to clash with a combative US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Friday when they pressure him to lift sanctions on steel and aluminum they fear could lead to a trade war.

The confrontation threatens to rupture a body that during its 43-year history has traditionally sought to find consensus on the economy and other issues.

Trump, who aides say has little interest in multilateralism, resumed his tirade against Canada early Friday morning and appeared prepared to exit talks early without a consensus agreement among all seven countries.

"Looking forward to straightening out unfair Trade Deals with the G-7 countries. If it doesn’t happen, we come out even better!" Trump tweeted early Friday morning ahead of his planned departure from Washington to Quebec.

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Looking forward to straightening out unfair Trade Deals with the G-7 countries. If it doesn’t happen, we come out even better!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1005033088202756097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Officials concede the mood is likely to be exceptionally tense.

"There will be some serious disagreements on a lot of things," a Canadian official told reporters late on Thursday.

Although Trump says the tariffs are necessary to protect US&nbsp;industry, Canada and the European Union have denounced them as illegal and are preparing retaliatory measures.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned Trump in a rare rebuke on Thursday that the other six members of the G7 could form their own grouping if necessary, adding that "no leader was forever."

British Prime Minister Theresa May took a more measured tone, telling reporters she wanted the European Union to use restraint in its retaliation to the US&nbsp;tariffs and that the response must be proportionate and legal.

Trump showed no sign of backing down on Friday, after earlier accusing both France and Canada of imposing massive tariffs on US&nbsp;goods and then accusing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of "being so indignant."

In response, the Canadian official replied that "the prime minister and the president have very frank, direct, candid, honest conversations." Trudeau and Trump are due to meet on Friday "and they will have lots to talk about," the official added.

The White House subsequently announced the president would be leaving on Saturday, before the summit formally ends, to fly to Singapore for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

While the G7 leaders have largely praised Trump for his efforts to stabilize the Korean peninsula, they are unhappy he pulled out of an agreement designed to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The arguments threaten to derail a meeting that Trudeau had planned to focus on inclusive growth, gender equality and protecting oceans.

The Canadian official said Trudeau remained optimistic that the summit could help find common solutions to issues such as growth and environmental protection.

In Germany, top officials called for Europe to remain unified in the face of rising trade tensions with the United States even as they maintained that America remained its closest partner outside of the continent.

Leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations are set to clash with a combative US President Donald Trump on Friday when they pressure him to lift sanctions on steel and aluminum they fear could lead to a trade war

Leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations are set to clash with a combative US President Donald Trump on Friday when they pressure him to lift sanctions on steel and aluminum they fear could lead to a trade war. The confrontation threatens to rupture a body that during its 43-year history has traditionally sought to find consensus on the economy and other issues. Trump, who aides say has little interest in multilateralism, resumed his tirade against Canada early Friday morning and appeared prepared to exit talks early without a consensus agreement among all seven countries. "Looking forward to straightening out unfair Trade Deals with the G-7 countries. If it doesn’t happen, we come out even better!" Trump tweeted early Friday morning ahead of his planned departure from Washington to Quebec. Looking forward to straightening out unfair Trade Deals with the G-7 countries. If it doesn’t happen, we come out even better! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 8, 2018 × Officials concede the mood is likely to be exceptionally tense. "There will be some serious disagreements on a lot of things," a Canadian official told reporters late on Thursday. Although Trump says the tariffs are necessary to protect US industry, Canada and the European Union have denounced them as illegal and are preparing retaliatory measures. French President Emmanuel Macron warned Trump in a rare rebuke on Thursday that the other six members of the G7 could form their own grouping if necessary, adding that "no leader was forever." British Prime Minister Theresa May took a more measured tone, telling reporters she wanted the European Union to use restraint in its retaliation to the US tariffs and that the response must be proportionate and legal. Trump showed no sign of backing down on Friday, after earlier accusing both France and Canada of imposing massive tariffs on US goods and then accusing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of "being so indignant." In response, the Canadian official replied that "the prime minister and the president have very frank, direct, candid, honest conversations." Trudeau and Trump are due to meet on Friday "and they will have lots to talk about," the official added. The White House subsequently announced the president would be leaving on Saturday, before the summit formally ends, to fly to Singapore for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While the G7 leaders have largely praised Trump for his efforts to stabilize the Korean peninsula, they are unhappy he pulled out of an agreement designed to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions. The arguments threaten to derail a meeting that Trudeau had planned to focus on inclusive growth, gender equality and protecting oceans. The Canadian official said Trudeau remained optimistic that the summit could help find common solutions to issues such as growth and environmental protection. In Germany, top officials called for Europe to remain unified in the face of rising trade tensions with the United States even as they maintained that America remained its closest partner outside of the continent.

G7 leaders set to clash with combative Trump over tariffs, trade

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