Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-makes-surprise-visit-to-g7-summit-245580">Zarif kicked off his Asian tour</a> in Beijing on Monday, presenting a 25-year plan to cement Iran's ties with its biggest Asian trading partner amid biting US sanctions.

In Beijing, Zarif met with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and said the pair had discussed a 25-year road map to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

China has continued to purchase Iranian crude despite sanctions.

"We reject actions of interference by others in the affairs of progressive countries including Iran and China," China's foreign minister told reporters after the meeting with Zarif.

"We have stood together in dealing with these interventions and interferences and rejecting them as a major threat to international peace and security and friendly relations among countries."

Zarif's Asian tour -- which also includes stopovers in Japan and Malaysia -- comes fresh on the heels of a surprise visit to the G7 summit in France over the weekend.

The summit in Biarritz saw a dramatic shift of focus when Zarif flew in at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the diplomatic deadlock on Tehran's disputed nuclear programme.

Iran's top diplomat didn't meet US President Donald Trump, French diplomats said, but the presence of the two men in the same place at least sparked hopes of detente.&nbsp;

Zarif was a key architect of the 2015 nuclear deal reached between Iran, the United States, European powers, Russia and China.&nbsp;

Trump's policy of applying "maximum pressure" on Tehran via crippling sanctions has been criticised by European powers and China and is seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

In July, the US government imposed heavy sanctions seeking to hamper Zarif's travel, and effectively banning him from the United States.

Zarif tweeted that he was heading to Japan and Malaysia in the next leg of his Asian tour without offering details.

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif kicked off his Asian tour in Beijing on Monday, presenting a 25-year plan to cement Iran's ties with its biggest Asian trading partner amid biting US sanctions.

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif kicked off his Asian tour in Beijing on Monday, presenting a 25-year plan to cement Iran's ties with its biggest Asian trading partner amid biting US sanctions. In Beijing, Zarif met with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and said the pair had discussed a 25-year road map to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. China has continued to purchase Iranian crude despite sanctions. "We reject actions of interference by others in the affairs of progressive countries including Iran and China," China's foreign minister told reporters after the meeting with Zarif. "We have stood together in dealing with these interventions and interferences and rejecting them as a major threat to international peace and security and friendly relations among countries." Zarif's Asian tour -- which also includes stopovers in Japan and Malaysia -- comes fresh on the heels of a surprise visit to the G7 summit in France over the weekend. The summit in Biarritz saw a dramatic shift of focus when Zarif flew in at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the diplomatic deadlock on Tehran's disputed nuclear programme. Iran's top diplomat didn't meet US President Donald Trump, French diplomats said, but the presence of the two men in the same place at least sparked hopes of detente. Zarif was a key architect of the 2015 nuclear deal reached between Iran, the United States, European powers, Russia and China. Trump's policy of applying "maximum pressure" on Tehran via crippling sanctions has been criticised by European powers and China and is seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East. In July, the US government imposed heavy sanctions seeking to hamper Zarif's travel, and effectively banning him from the United States. Zarif tweeted that he was heading to Japan and Malaysia in the next leg of his Asian tour without offering details.

Iran's foreign minister meets China's Wang Yi, discusses 25-year road map to strengthen economic cooperation between two countries

Time For India To Be Given A Larger Role At Global Summits Like G7

WION Edit: India needs to play a larger role at G7

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said that the United States should take the ''first step'' by lifting all sanctions, news agency AFP reported.

"Tehran has never wanted nuclear weapons," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television, adding that the country was always ready to hold talks.

"But first the US should act by lifting all illegal, unjust and unfair sanctions imposed on Iran," he added.

"We will continue to scale back our commitments under the 2015 deal if our interests are not guaranteed," news agency Reuters reported.

US President Donald Trump said earlier that he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-ready-to-meet-iranian-leader-rouhani-raising-hopes-of-breakthrough-245861">prepared to meet his Iranian counterpart</a> within weeks, after talks about Tehran's nuclear programme at the G7 summit in France.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had made a surprise appearance on the sidelines of the summit in Biarritz on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy and consultations.

"If the circumstances were correct, I would certainly agree to that," Trump said at a press conference with Macron at the end of three days of talks.

Asked if he thought the timeline proposed by his French counterpart was realistic, Trump replied, "It does", adding he thought Rouhani would also be in favour.&nbsp;

"I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added.

Trump has put in place a policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran over its disputed nuclear programme via crippling sanctions that are seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

The US president last year unilaterally pulled out of a landmark 2015 international deal that placed limits on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for trade, investment and sanctions relief.

(With inputs from Reuters/AFP)

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said that the United States should take the ''first step'' by lifting all sanctions, news agency AFP reported. "Tehran has never wanted nuclear weapons," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television, adding that the country was always ready to hold talks.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said that the United States should take the ''first step'' by lifting all sanctions, news agency AFP reported. "Tehran has never wanted nuclear weapons," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television, adding that the country was always ready to hold talks. "But first the US should act by lifting all illegal, unjust and unfair sanctions imposed on Iran," he added. "We will continue to scale back our commitments under the 2015 deal if our interests are not guaranteed," news agency Reuters reported. US President Donald Trump said earlier that he was prepared to meet his Iranian counterpart within weeks, after talks about Tehran's nuclear programme at the G7 summit in France. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had made a surprise appearance on the sidelines of the summit in Biarritz on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy and consultations. "If the circumstances were correct, I would certainly agree to that," Trump said at a press conference with Macron at the end of three days of talks. Asked if he thought the timeline proposed by his French counterpart was realistic, Trump replied, "It does", adding he thought Rouhani would also be in favour. "I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added. Trump has put in place a policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran over its disputed nuclear programme via crippling sanctions that are seen as raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East. The US president last year unilaterally pulled out of a landmark 2015 international deal that placed limits on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for trade, investment and sanctions relief. (With inputs from Reuters/AFP)

Iran President Hassan Rouhani says no talks with US unless sanctions lifted

Hundreds of new fires have flared up in the Amazon in Brazil. Local farm manager Willian Sabara dos Santos said the forest needs to be preserved and that the government must do more to help small farmers. Watch this video to know more.

Flames continue to devour the Amazon

Here's A List Of Major Issues That Were Discussed During The G7 Summit

Gravitas: Key Issues Discussed at the G7 Summit

Brazil on Monday rejected aid from G7 countries to curb the Amazon wildfires, asking French President Emmanuel Macron to “reforest Europe” instead of showing sympathy there. Watch this video to know more.

Bolsonaro rejects G7 aid for the Amazon, Bolsonaro questions Macron's intentions

In a meet with Indian PM Modi, U.S President Donald Trump said that it would be best if the Kashmir issue is resolved bilaterally.

Trump changes tune on Kashmir issue

Hundreds of new fires have flared up in the Amazon in Brazil. G7 nations have pledged to help combat the blazes. Watch this video to know more.

Hundreds of new fires flare up in Amazon

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-pledges-millions-to-help-fight-amazon-fires-245803">20 million euros to fight Amazon fires</a>, news agency AFP reported&nbsp;on Tuesday.

"We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe,"&nbsp;Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website.

"Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni continued, referring to the fire in April that devastated the Notre-Dame cathedral.

Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles had earlier told reporters they had welcomed the G7 funding to fight the fires.

But after a meeting between Bolsonaro and his ministers, the Brazilian government changed course.

The G7 has agreed to spend 20 million euros on the Amazon, mainly to send firefighting aircraft to tackle the huge blazes engulfing many parts of the world's biggest rainforest.

The initiative was announced after G7 leaders meeting in the resort of Biarritz held talks on the environment, focusing on the record number of fires destroying chunks of the Amazon.

The Amazon rainforest, which produces about 20 per cent of the Earth's atmosphere's oxygen, is burning from wildfires at a record rate and has drawn international attention.

Watch:&nbsp;G7 Nations extend help for Amazon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-nations-extend-help-for-amazon-245815/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Environmental activists have been staging protests at Brazilian embassies worldwide and&nbsp;accusing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro of supporting&nbsp;farmers who are burning the rainforest to expand farming land.

On Saturday, the Brazilian&nbsp;authorities deployed troops&nbsp;in an attempt to fight the environmental disaster.

(With inputs from AFP)

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires, news agency AFP reported on Tuesday. "We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe," Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website.

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires, news agency AFP reported on Tuesday. "We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe," Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website. "Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni continued, referring to the fire in April that devastated the Notre-Dame cathedral. Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles had earlier told reporters they had welcomed the G7 funding to fight the fires. But after a meeting between Bolsonaro and his ministers, the Brazilian government changed course. The G7 has agreed to spend 20 million euros on the Amazon, mainly to send firefighting aircraft to tackle the huge blazes engulfing many parts of the world's biggest rainforest. The initiative was announced after G7 leaders meeting in the resort of Biarritz held talks on the environment, focusing on the record number of fires destroying chunks of the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest, which produces about 20 per cent of the Earth's atmosphere's oxygen, is burning from wildfires at a record rate and has drawn international attention. Watch: G7 Nations extend help for Amazon Environmental activists have been staging protests at Brazilian embassies worldwide and accusing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro of supporting farmers who are burning the rainforest to expand farming land. On Saturday, the Brazilian authorities deployed troops in an attempt to fight the environmental disaster. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil rejects G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires

PM Modi: All Indo-Pak Issues Are Bilateral Issues

Gravitas: PM Modi at the G7 summit: Key Takeaways

What Is G7? Why is This Grouping Significant?

Gravitas: All You need to know about G7

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 27th, 2019

Iran tensions dominated talks as G7 summit ends. Watch this video to know more.

Iran tensions dominate talks as G7 summit ends

By Susan Harris Rimmer 
&nbsp; 
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has had a busy fortnight of international diplomacy. Barely had the dust settled from his performance at the Pacific Island Forum in Tuvalu, then the prime minister announced troop commitments to the Straits of Hormuz, then fronted a delicate press conference in Vietnam speaking about the South China Sea, en route to France.

After a year in the top job, Morrison may be slowly understanding what it takes to make an impact at a global level in order to pursue Australia’s interests.

The Golden G7 Ticket

Morrison scored a rare and valuable invitation to the 45th Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Biarritz, France. The G7 membership consists of the industrialised economies of US, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, Italy and Canada, along with the Presidents of the European Union and European Commission, and usually Spain. The World Bank, IMF, OECD, African Union, ILO, African Development Bank and NEPAD are also usually invited, the UN Secretary-General was also there.

The G7 used to be the G8, but Russia is still suspended. On March 24 2014, the G7 members cancelled the planned G8 summit that was to be held in June that year in the Russian city of Sochi, and suspended Russia’s membership of the group, due to Russia’s annexation of Crimea. However, Russia has not been permanently expelled.

French President Emmanuel Macron used his invitations strategically to promote a “league of democracies” concept. He invited leaders from Australia, India, Chile and South Africa to join the outreach activities at the summit, in particular, to attend a Sunday night dinner to discuss environmental challenges.

Australia is a member of the G20, which includes India, Indonesia and China. But it has often cast a wistful eye to Canada’s participation in the G7/8, despite the relative similarity in economic strength between the two nations.

This year, the Henry Jackson Society released its second Audit of Geopolitical Capability report, which assesses the geopolitical capability of the Group of 20 nations plus Nigeria. It ranked Australia as the eighth-most capable in the world, ahead of India and Russia.

But since the election of Donald Trump as US president, the G7 has lost much of its consensus and related power. The 2019 summit was like an Agatha Christie play, full of shocks, tensions, surprise reveals and difficulties.

Tensions and Diplomatic Shocks

The US president walked out early from last year’s G7 summit in Canada over criticism of his tariffs policy, and then refused to sign the final statement. Macron, therefore, organised the summit to have a two-hour lunch alone with the president and abandoned the idea of a final communique.

Saturday working sessions were held on jobs, global inequality, climate change and women’s empowerment, leading to criticisms from the US delegation that the agenda was too “niche”. Sunday was devoted to the extremely difficult trade discussions and the Amazon forest fires.

The European G7 nations, as well as other EU members such as Ireland and Spain, sparred over whether to block the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement unless Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro takes forceful action on the forest fires raging in the Amazon and on climate change in general.

Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017, shortly after he attended his first G7 in Italy. Climate was still a sticking point at this summit, with leadership from the G7 unlikely on climate as an economic risk.

The Saturday dinner was thrown into an uproar by Trump championing the re-entry of Russia to the G7, with the EU arguing back that Crimea would be better.

Sunday saw the surprise arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to meet with Macron. Zarif, sanctioned by the US, said salvaging the 2015 nuclear deal would be difficult but “worth trying”.

Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear accord in 2018, leaving European signatories scrambling to preserve the pact. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she welcomed efforts toward deescalation. Europeans have so far declined to join Australia, the US, Bahrain and the UK by engaging in the Strait of Hormuz. The situation in Hong Kong was barely raised.

Salty Summit

Just before the summit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson – attending his first G7 summit – and European Council President Donald Tusk traded barbs over the UK’s exit from the European Union. Tusk said he would not negotiate a no-deal scenario, and said he hoped the prime minister did not want to go down in history as “Mr No Deal”. Johnson took a swim in the sea and created a lengthy metaphor for journalists about Brexit as a result.

Most world leaders attending the summit declared they would ask the US to resolve the trade war with China. However, Trump announced additional duties on Chinese imports one day before he arrived in France. He then threatened to levy import duties on French wine “Like they’ve never seen before”. The US president also said the British would lose “the anchor around their ankle” after leaving the EU.

Outside the summit, more than 9,000 anti-G7 protesters marched peacefully over a bridge linking France and Spain, about 30 kilometres from Biarritz. Yellow Jacket protesters held pictures of Macron upside-down.

Australian Leadership on Digital Hate

In the midst of such turmoil, it would be difficult to make an impact as an invited guest. However, Morrison kept up his advocacy on the Christchurch Call.

At the close of the G7, Morrison announced an undisclosed amount of funding from the OECD and $300,000 to fund the development of voluntary transparency reporting protocols for social media companies to prevent, detect, and remove terrorist and violent extremist content.

A Summit of ‘Senseless Disputes’

This was the EU President Tusk’s final G7 Summit and he reflected sadly on Saturday that leaders of the world’s richest and most powerful democracies are increasingly unable to find “common language”, and were instead at risk of getting caught up in “senseless disputes among each other”.

The summit seems to have borne out his worse fears. Hopefully, Scott Morrison was inspired by the fractured state of the big stage to become part of the solution.

(Susan Harris Rimmer is Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Griffith Law School, Griffith University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/g7-throws-up-plenty-of-controversy-and-debate-but-little-compromise-122042">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 Susan Harris Rimmer Prime Minister Scott Morrison has had a busy fortnight of international diplomacy. Barely had the dust settled from his performance at the Pacific Island Forum in Tuvalu, then the prime minister announced troop commitments to the Straits of Hormuz, then fronted a delicate press conference in Vietnam speaking about the South China Sea, en route to France.

By Susan Harris Rimmer Prime Minister Scott Morrison has had a busy fortnight of international diplomacy. Barely had the dust settled from his performance at the Pacific Island Forum in Tuvalu, then the prime minister announced troop commitments to the Straits of Hormuz, then fronted a delicate press conference in Vietnam speaking about the South China Sea, en route to France. After a year in the top job, Morrison may be slowly understanding what it takes to make an impact at a global level in order to pursue Australia’s interests. The Golden G7 Ticket Morrison scored a rare and valuable invitation to the 45th Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Biarritz, France. The G7 membership consists of the industrialised economies of US, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, Italy and Canada, along with the Presidents of the European Union and European Commission, and usually Spain. The World Bank, IMF, OECD, African Union, ILO, African Development Bank and NEPAD are also usually invited, the UN Secretary-General was also there. The G7 used to be the G8, but Russia is still suspended. On March 24 2014, the G7 members cancelled the planned G8 summit that was to be held in June that year in the Russian city of Sochi, and suspended Russia’s membership of the group, due to Russia’s annexation of Crimea. However, Russia has not been permanently expelled. French President Emmanuel Macron used his invitations strategically to promote a “league of democracies” concept. He invited leaders from Australia, India, Chile and South Africa to join the outreach activities at the summit, in particular, to attend a Sunday night dinner to discuss environmental challenges. Australia is a member of the G20, which includes India, Indonesia and China. But it has often cast a wistful eye to Canada’s participation in the G7/8, despite the relative similarity in economic strength between the two nations. This year, the Henry Jackson Society released its second Audit of Geopolitical Capability report, which assesses the geopolitical capability of the Group of 20 nations plus Nigeria. It ranked Australia as the eighth-most capable in the world, ahead of India and Russia. But since the election of Donald Trump as US president, the G7 has lost much of its consensus and related power. The 2019 summit was like an Agatha Christie play, full of shocks, tensions, surprise reveals and difficulties. Tensions and Diplomatic Shocks The US president walked out early from last year’s G7 summit in Canada over criticism of his tariffs policy, and then refused to sign the final statement. Macron, therefore, organised the summit to have a two-hour lunch alone with the president and abandoned the idea of a final communique. Saturday working sessions were held on jobs, global inequality, climate change and women’s empowerment, leading to criticisms from the US delegation that the agenda was too “niche”. Sunday was devoted to the extremely difficult trade discussions and the Amazon forest fires. The European G7 nations, as well as other EU members such as Ireland and Spain, sparred over whether to block the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement unless Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro takes forceful action on the forest fires raging in the Amazon and on climate change in general. Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017, shortly after he attended his first G7 in Italy. Climate was still a sticking point at this summit, with leadership from the G7 unlikely on climate as an economic risk. The Saturday dinner was thrown into an uproar by Trump championing the re-entry of Russia to the G7, with the EU arguing back that Crimea would be better. Sunday saw the surprise arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to meet with Macron. Zarif, sanctioned by the US, said salvaging the 2015 nuclear deal would be difficult but “worth trying”. Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear accord in 2018, leaving European signatories scrambling to preserve the pact. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she welcomed efforts toward deescalation. Europeans have so far declined to join Australia, the US, Bahrain and the UK by engaging in the Strait of Hormuz. The situation in Hong Kong was barely raised. Salty Summit Just before the summit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson – attending his first G7 summit – and European Council President Donald Tusk traded barbs over the UK’s exit from the European Union. Tusk said he would not negotiate a no-deal scenario, and said he hoped the prime minister did not want to go down in history as “Mr No Deal”. Johnson took a swim in the sea and created a lengthy metaphor for journalists about Brexit as a result. Most world leaders attending the summit declared they would ask the US to resolve the trade war with China. However, Trump announced additional duties on Chinese imports one day before he arrived in France. He then threatened to levy import duties on French wine “Like they’ve never seen before”. The US president also said the British would lose “the anchor around their ankle” after leaving the EU. Outside the summit, more than 9,000 anti-G7 protesters marched peacefully over a bridge linking France and Spain, about 30 kilometres from Biarritz. Yellow Jacket protesters held pictures of Macron upside-down. Australian Leadership on Digital Hate In the midst of such turmoil, it would be difficult to make an impact as an invited guest. However, Morrison kept up his advocacy on the Christchurch Call. At the close of the G7, Morrison announced an undisclosed amount of funding from the OECD and $300,000 to fund the development of voluntary transparency reporting protocols for social media companies to prevent, detect, and remove terrorist and violent extremist content. A Summit of ‘Senseless Disputes’ This was the EU President Tusk’s final G7 Summit and he reflected sadly on Saturday that leaders of the world’s richest and most powerful democracies are increasingly unable to find “common language”, and were instead at risk of getting caught up in “senseless disputes among each other”. The summit seems to have borne out his worse fears. Hopefully, Scott Morrison was inspired by the fractured state of the big stage to become part of the solution. (Susan Harris Rimmer is Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Griffith Law School, Griffith University) (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.)

G7 Summit throws up plenty of debate, but little compromise

It's going to be a packed day for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he meets four world leaders and takes part in two sessions of G7 summit in&nbsp;Biarritz, France.&nbsp;

The prime minister will be meeting the Senegal President Macky Sall, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chile&nbsp;President Sebastian Piñera and US President Donald Trump. Besides Modi will be taking part in two sessions on Climate, Biodiversity, Oceans and Digital Transformation.

PM Modi will meet the US president between 3.45pm and 4.30pm. This will be the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-british-counterpart-boris-johnson-on-sidelines-of-g7-in-france-245587">second meeting</a> between the two leaders this year and comes two months after&nbsp;they met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan.

The ongoing India-Pakistan tension in the aftermath of India rescinding the special status to the erstwhile state of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-modi-trump-meeting-to-take-place-on-monday-in-france-245571">Jammu and Kashmir</a> is likely to prominently feature&nbsp;in the discussion between the duo.

"India’s decision to rescind Article 370 in Kashmir is an internal decision, but certainly with regional implications. And President Trump will likely want to hear how Prime Minister Modi intends to calm regional tensions in light of this significant move",&nbsp;a senior Trump administration official said.&nbsp;

Trump thrice offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, something that irked New Delhi which has made it clear that ties between the two South Asian neighbours&nbsp;follow Shimla and Lahore agreements according to which no third party mediation is acceptable.&nbsp;

Trade, defence ties and&nbsp;the Afghan peace process are also likely to be discussed when Modi meets Trump.

All in all, PM Modi has six bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G7 summit.

Modi met British PM Boris Johnson United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday evening. With British PM, the focus was trade &amp; investment, defence &amp; security.

This is the first meet between the two leaders since Boris Johnson took charge as the British&nbsp;prime minister earlier this month. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes.

Both leaders had a conversation last week in which PM Modi congratulated him assuming charge as British PM in July, 2019.

During Modi-Johnson bilateral, the Indian prime minister raised the issue of violent protests outside the Indian mission by Pakistan and Khalistan groups on Independence Day on August 15.

India is "Biarritz partner" country along with Australia, Chile, South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Egypt and Burkina Faso. Climate and biodiversity will be the main focus of the 45th G7 summit whose theme is "combating inequality".

It is after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7summit.

In 2005, then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles summit. 
&nbsp;

It's going to be a packed day for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he meets four world leaders and takes part in two sessions of G7 summit in Biarritz, France.

It's going to be a packed day for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he meets four world leaders and takes part in two sessions of G7 summit in Biarritz, France. The prime minister will be meeting the Senegal President Macky Sall, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chile President Sebastian Piñera and US President Donald Trump. Besides Modi will be taking part in two sessions on Climate, Biodiversity, Oceans and Digital Transformation. PM Modi will meet the US president between 3.45pm and 4.30pm. This will be the second meeting between the two leaders this year and comes two months after they met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. The ongoing India-Pakistan tension in the aftermath of India rescinding the special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is likely to prominently feature in the discussion between the duo. "India’s decision to rescind Article 370 in Kashmir is an internal decision, but certainly with regional implications. And President Trump will likely want to hear how Prime Minister Modi intends to calm regional tensions in light of this significant move", a senior Trump administration official said. Trump thrice offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, something that irked New Delhi which has made it clear that ties between the two South Asian neighbours follow Shimla and Lahore agreements according to which no third party mediation is acceptable. Trade, defence ties and the Afghan peace process are also likely to be discussed when Modi meets Trump. All in all, PM Modi has six bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Modi met British PM Boris Johnson United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday evening. With British PM, the focus was trade & investment, defence & security. This is the first meet between the two leaders since Boris Johnson took charge as the British prime minister earlier this month. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes. Both leaders had a conversation last week in which PM Modi congratulated him assuming charge as British PM in July, 2019. During Modi-Johnson bilateral, the Indian prime minister raised the issue of violent protests outside the Indian mission by Pakistan and Khalistan groups on Independence Day on August 15. India is "Biarritz partner" country along with Australia, Chile, South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Egypt and Burkina Faso. Climate and biodiversity will be the main focus of the 45th G7 summit whose theme is "combating inequality". It is after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7summit. In 2005, then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles summit.

G7: Prime Minister Modi to hold four bilateral, attend two sessions today

Thousands of protesters gathered on the streets of the French city of Hendaye to protest against the Group of Seven (G7) summit being held in the French beach town of Biarritz from Saturday to Monday.

Protest erupt during G7 Summit, 9,000 people joined protest

Indian PM Narendra Modi is set to hold 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit today. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi to meet US President today

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the road ahead was difficult "but worth trying" after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 summit on Sunday, August 25. Watch this video to know more.

Iran FM Javad Zarif makes surprise visit to G7 Summit

G7 leaders joined in a family photo on Sunday, August 25 at the French resort hosting the summit which has been troubled by differences between U.S. President Donald Trump and Western allies over a raft of issues. Watch this video to know more.

G7 Summit: Trade, Iran tensions on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, on the sidelines of the G7 summit hosted by the southwestern French city of Biarritz on Sunday and had fruitful discussions on a wide range of subjects.

"PM @narendramodi met @UN Secretary General Mr. @antonioguterres on the sidelines of the @G7 Summit. The two leaders had fruitful discussions on a wide range of subjects," the Prime Minister's Office announced in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> Secretary General Mr. <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antonioguterres</a> on the sidelines of the <a href="https://twitter.com/G7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@G7</a> Summit. The two leaders had fruitful discussions on a wide range of subjects. <a href="https://t.co/JuGsftQKRT">pic.twitter.com/JuGsftQKRT</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1165670577685876740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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At the G7 summit, Modi is expected to speak during sessions on the environment, climate, oceans, and digital transformation, besides also holding bilaterals with leaders of other countries participating in the two-day summit being held here.

The summit holds significance from India's perspective particularly for the fact that the Kashmir issue is expected to come up during Modi's interaction with the leaders of the member countries, particularly US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The same was also conveyed recently by a senior official from the Trump administration.

India is not a member country of the G-7, and the invitation to participate in the summit was extended by France.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, on the sidelines of the G7 summit hosted by the southwestern French city of Biarritz on Sunday and had fruitful discussions on a wide range of subjects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, on the sidelines of the G7 summit hosted by the southwestern French city of Biarritz on Sunday and had fruitful discussions on a wide range of subjects. "PM @narendramodi met @UN Secretary General Mr. @antonioguterres on the sidelines of the @G7 Summit. The two leaders had fruitful discussions on a wide range of subjects," the Prime Minister's Office announced in a tweet. PM @narendramodi met @UN Secretary General Mr. @antonioguterres on the sidelines of the @G7 Summit. The two leaders had fruitful discussions on a wide range of subjects. pic.twitter.com/JuGsftQKRT — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 25, 2019 × At the G7 summit, Modi is expected to speak during sessions on the environment, climate, oceans, and digital transformation, besides also holding bilaterals with leaders of other countries participating in the two-day summit being held here. The summit holds significance from India's perspective particularly for the fact that the Kashmir issue is expected to come up during Modi's interaction with the leaders of the member countries, particularly US President Donald Trump. The same was also conveyed recently by a senior official from the Trump administration. India is not a member country of the G-7, and the invitation to participate in the summit was extended by France.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on sidelines of G7 in France

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 26th, 2019

G7 countries agree to immediate aid for Amazon. To know more watch the video

G7 Nations extend help for Amazon

The G7 is, perhaps, the world’s most important grouping when it comes to economic management and development. It has been so for the last 44 years. These annual summits were begun to thrash out issues of economic importance. When it was created in 1975, the group was G6 -- with six countries that had the lion's share of the global economy.&nbsp;

Canada was included later. In the early years, the group attempted to strengthen democracy around the world, fight the closed-market the then-Soviet Union and East Bloc. Now its scope is broader. For instance, this year's G7 theme is “Fighting inequality”.

At the same time, over the decades, the group has lost some of its sheen as many key countries are not included. Thus, the G20 emerged as more important than the G7. It is inconceivable that any group aiming to fight inequality should keep India and China out of it.&nbsp;

Today India and China are among the top seven countries in terms of the world’s GDP share. Besides, there is a power shift with India and China demonstrating the potential to drive what is billed as the ‘Asian Century’. Decisions crucial to the global economy cannot be made by keeping India out. 
 
The G7 needs to upgrade both its membership and mindset.&nbsp;

All major economies including the European Union nations and the US are seeking stronger trade ties and economic relations with India, which is now a magnet for rising foreign investment. India should be engaged as an equal partner by these developed nations in the interests of the global economy especially if its self-appointed leaders are serious about avowed objectives like “Fighting Inequality”. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

The G7 is, perhaps, the world’s most important grouping when it comes to economic management and development. It has been so for the last 44 years. These annual summits were begun to thrash out issues of economic importance.

The G7 is, perhaps, the world’s most important grouping when it comes to economic management and development. It has been so for the last 44 years. These annual summits were begun to thrash out issues of economic importance. When it was created in 1975, the group was G6 -- with six countries that had the lion's share of the global economy. Canada was included later. In the early years, the group attempted to strengthen democracy around the world, fight the closed-market the then-Soviet Union and East Bloc. Now its scope is broader. For instance, this year's G7 theme is “Fighting inequality”. At the same time, over the decades, the group has lost some of its sheen as many key countries are not included. Thus, the G20 emerged as more important than the G7. It is inconceivable that any group aiming to fight inequality should keep India and China out of it. Today India and China are among the top seven countries in terms of the world’s GDP share. Besides, there is a power shift with India and China demonstrating the potential to drive what is billed as the ‘Asian Century’. Decisions crucial to the global economy cannot be made by keeping India out. The G7 needs to upgrade both its membership and mindset. All major economies including the European Union nations and the US are seeking stronger trade ties and economic relations with India, which is now a magnet for rising foreign investment. India should be engaged as an equal partner by these developed nations in the interests of the global economy especially if its self-appointed leaders are serious about avowed objectives like “Fighting Inequality”. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: India at G7 Summit - 'Fighting Inequality'

Bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump concludes. That was the first face-to-face interaction between the two leaders after India abrogated Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, a move that has seen Pakistan cry foul. It is also the first meeting after President Trump's comment that he was ready to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

Bramha Chellaney on PM Modi-Trump bilateral meet at G7 Summit

Arun K Singh on Trump-Modi bilateral talks at G7 summit

Bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump is underway on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Biarritz, France. This is the first face-to-face interaction between the two leaders after India abrogated Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, a move that has seen Pakistan cry foul. It is also the first meeting after President Trump's comment that he was ready to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

PM Modi meets Trump on the sideline of G-7 Summit

British and Australian leaders briefly set aside talks on global trade, security and the environment on Monday for a spot of jovial banter about cricket after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unbelievable-ben-stokes-was-too-good-for-australia-says-tim-paine-245658">England beat Australia</a> in dramatic fashion.

Britain's Boris Johnson met Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the sidelines of a G7 summit in the French resort of Biarritz a day after England cricketer Ben Stokes dragged his country from the point of defeat to a narrow victory.

Smiling and shaking hands at the start of their meeting Morrison congratulated Johnson on the result, which evens up this year's Ashes duel between cricket's oldest international rivals. The series of five matches runs into September.

"We're not taking anything for granted," Johnson replied as the two men posed for photographers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jack-leach-to-get-free-spectacles-for-life-says-official-sponsor-of-ashes-245685">Jack Leach to get free spectacles for life, says official sponsor of Ashes</a>

Johnson first heard of England's win, which for much of the match had seemed impossible, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke the news during a meeting on Sunday. He later called for an iPad and watched the highlights between engagements.

Morrison tempered his well-wishes to Johnson by joking,&nbsp;"Two to go, two to go", referring to the final two games of the series, which is now tied at 1-1.

British and Australian leaders briefly set aside talks on global trade, security and the environment on Monday for a spot of jovial banter about cricket after England beat Australia in dramatic fashion.

British and Australian leaders briefly set aside talks on global trade, security and the environment on Monday for a spot of jovial banter about cricket after England beat Australia in dramatic fashion. Britain's Boris Johnson met Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the sidelines of a G7 summit in the French resort of Biarritz a day after England cricketer Ben Stokes dragged his country from the point of defeat to a narrow victory. Smiling and shaking hands at the start of their meeting Morrison congratulated Johnson on the result, which evens up this year's Ashes duel between cricket's oldest international rivals. The series of five matches runs into September. "We're not taking anything for granted," Johnson replied as the two men posed for photographers. Also read: Jack Leach to get free spectacles for life, says official sponsor of Ashes Johnson first heard of England's win, which for much of the match had seemed impossible, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke the news during a meeting on Sunday. He later called for an iPad and watched the highlights between engagements. Morrison tempered his well-wishes to Johnson by joking, "Two to go, two to go", referring to the final two games of the series, which is now tied at 1-1.

PM Modi first person to inform British PM Boris Johnson about England's 3rd Test win: Report

Siddhant Sibbal on Modi-Trump meet at G7 Summit

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on sidelines of G7 in France

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WION Edit: India at G7 Summit - 'Fighting Inequality'

Bramha Chellaney on PM Modi-Trump bilateral meet at G7 Summit

Arun K Singh on Trump-Modi bilateral talks at G7 summit