China&nbsp;criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies.

Beijing expressed anger after New Zealand's parliament passed a watered-down motion Wednesday expressing "grave concern" at human rights abuses involving the Uyghur Muslim minority in&nbsp;China's Xinjiang province.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's ruling Labour Party insisted any reference to genocide was scrubbed out of the motion, which was submitted by a minor opposition party, but the move failed to appease&nbsp;China's embassy in Wellington.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-uighur-abuses-new-zealand-shops-short-of-calling-it-a-genocide-383090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The embassy said in a statement that the New Zealand parliament was meddling in matters that concerned&nbsp;China's sovereignty.

This move grossly interferes in&nbsp;China's internal affairs and runs counter to international law and basic norms governing international relations," it said.&nbsp;

"The Chinese side deplores and firmly opposes such action."

The embassy said the motion would "harm the mutual trust between&nbsp;China&nbsp;and NZ".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-slams-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-doesnt-label-it-genocide-382930">New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide'</a>
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At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps in Xinjiang, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour.

Ardern's centre-left government has been noticeably less vocal than its allies in condemning the abuses, leading to accusations it is a weak link in the US-led Five Eyes intelligence alliance that also includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Ardern this week conceded New Zealand's differences with&nbsp;China&nbsp;on human rights were becoming "harder to reconcile", but said her government would continue to point out areas of concern to Beijing.

However, allies such as Australia have been much blunter in their criticism, spurring punitive levies from Beijing on more than a dozen Australian imports, including wine and barley.

China&nbsp;on Thursday suspended regular bilateral trade talks with Australia, in a move Canberra described as "disappointing".

China criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies.

China criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies. Beijing expressed anger after New Zealand's parliament passed a watered-down motion Wednesday expressing "grave concern" at human rights abuses involving the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang province. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's ruling Labour Party insisted any reference to genocide was scrubbed out of the motion, which was submitted by a minor opposition party, but the move failed to appease China's embassy in Wellington. The embassy said in a statement that the New Zealand parliament was meddling in matters that concerned China's sovereignty. This move grossly interferes in China's internal affairs and runs counter to international law and basic norms governing international relations," it said. "The Chinese side deplores and firmly opposes such action." The embassy said the motion would "harm the mutual trust between China and NZ". Also read | New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide' At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps in Xinjiang, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour. Ardern's centre-left government has been noticeably less vocal than its allies in condemning the abuses, leading to accusations it is a weak link in the US-led Five Eyes intelligence alliance that also includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Ardern this week conceded New Zealand's differences with China on human rights were becoming "harder to reconcile", but said her government would continue to point out areas of concern to Beijing. However, allies such as Australia have been much blunter in their criticism, spurring punitive levies from Beijing on more than a dozen Australian imports, including wine and barley. China on Thursday suspended regular bilateral trade talks with Australia, in a move Canberra described as "disappointing".

China slams New Zealand over parliament motion on Uyghur Muslim abuse

China&nbsp;on Thursday said it "strongly&nbsp;condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

Foreign ministers from&nbsp;G7&nbsp;countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged&nbsp;China&nbsp;to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London.

The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in&nbsp;China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-g7-biden-will-push-allies-to-act-on-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-report-379741">At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report</a>

They also urged an end to the targeting of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;protesters in Hong Kong.

Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;for making "unfounded accusations against&nbsp;China&nbsp;and openly intervening in&nbsp;China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were&nbsp;China's own matters.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted&nbsp;China&nbsp;to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China&nbsp;principle.

Wang added the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-slams-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-doesnt-label-it-genocide-382930">New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide'</a>

"We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said.

Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where&nbsp;rights&nbsp;groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-slams-uighurs-treatment-in-china-stops-short-of-calling-it-genocide-383155/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour.

The United States has since accused&nbsp;China&nbsp;of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in&nbsp;China&nbsp;were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide".

But&nbsp;China&nbsp;has decried the&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors".

The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region.

Although the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;members reserved their strongest&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;for&nbsp;China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops.&nbsp;

The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails.

But they held the door open to&nbsp;China&nbsp;for future cooperation.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens. Foreign ministers from G7 countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged China to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London. The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged human rights violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet. Also read | At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report They also urged an end to the targeting of rights protesters in Hong Kong. Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the G7 for making "unfounded accusations against China and openly intervening in China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were China's own matters. The G7 statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted China to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China principle. Wang added the G7 should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community. Also read | New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide' "We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said. Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international criticism mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where rights groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps. Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour. The United States has since accused China of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in China were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide". But China has decried the criticism over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors". The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region. Although the G7 members reserved their strongest criticism for China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops. The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails. But they held the door open to China for future cooperation. The G7 maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

Persecution of Uyghur Muslims: China hits back at G7 rights criticism

G7 nations have gathered in London for the first in-person talks since 2019. Two words have dominated the headlines since end of 2019- China & Coronavirus. These two words dominated the summit as well. WION brings you more on this.

G7 works on vaccine plan after pleas to Help poor

The British government said India’s entire delegation to the Group of Seven summit in London is self-isolating after two of its members tested positive for COVID-19. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar did not test positive for the virus.

Covid scare at G7 meeting after Indian delegates test positive

Two members of the Indian delegation at the G7 meeting in London have tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

After this, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has decided to conduct all his engagements at the G7 meeting in virtual mode.

Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter saying, "Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well."

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Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1389854062762409987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As host, the UK has invited additional countries to join as guests at the meeting, including India in its capacity as Chair. On Monday, Jaishankar had also met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

This is the first time that an in-person meeting of the group`s foreign ministers is taking place after more than two years. The members of the G7 are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, with the European Union present as an observer.

India's entire delegation to a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in London is self-isolating after two members tested positive for COVID-19, a British government official said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two members of the Indian delegation at the G7 meeting in London have tested positive for COVID-19. After this, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has decided to conduct all his engagements at the G7 meeting in virtual mode.

Two members of the Indian delegation at the G7 meeting in London have tested positive for COVID-19. After this, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has decided to conduct all his engagements at the G7 meeting in virtual mode. Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter saying, "Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well." Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 5, 2021 × As host, the UK has invited additional countries to join as guests at the meeting, including India in its capacity as Chair. On Monday, Jaishankar had also met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. This is the first time that an in-person meeting of the group`s foreign ministers is taking place after more than two years. The members of the G7 are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, with the European Union present as an observer. India's entire delegation to a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in London is self-isolating after two members tested positive for COVID-19, a British government official said. (With inputs from agencies)

G7 meet: Two members of Indian delegation test Covid positive, Jaishankar to go virtual

The United Kingdom is hosting the first in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting in two years from May 3 to 5 in London. The G7 foreign ministers’ meeting will focus on geopolitical priorities, such as Russia, China and Iran. It will also take up global challenges, including climate change, COVID-19 pandemic and famine.

Britain hosts first in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting in two years

UK is hosting the first in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting in two years in London. On the first day, Dominic Raab, the UK foreign secretary, spoke alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. They discussed NATO's withdrawal from Afghanistan, Iran, China and the threat posed by Russia.

G7 Summit: Blinken and Raab discussed Russia, China

UK hosting first in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting in two years

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar will be in London for the G7 Foreign and Development Minister's Meeting till the May 6, and hold talks with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

EAM Jaishankar will visit London for G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting

Foreign&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;of the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;rich countries gather in London on Monday for their&nbsp;first&nbsp;in-person&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;since&nbsp;the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;began, with British host Dominic Raab opening with talks with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The week is billed by&nbsp;Britain, which holds the group's rotating presidency, as a chance to reassert the West's influence and address issues such as the coronavirus recovery, climate change and how to deal with China and Russia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says">G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says</a>

The&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;will lay groundwork for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's&nbsp;first&nbsp;scheduled trip abroad&nbsp;since&nbsp;taking office: a&nbsp;G7&nbsp;summit in&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;next month meant to revive cooperation with traditional allies after years of friction under Donald Trump.

In addition to the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;members Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States,&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;has also invited&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;from Australia, India, South Africa and South Korea this week.&nbsp;Meetings will kick off with dinner on Monday evening.

Before that, Raab and Blinken will meet to discuss shared goals.&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;is keen to capitalise on Biden's willingness to re-engage with global efforts to fight climate change, and to restore a nuclear deal with Iran repudiated by Trump.

Raab said on Sunday the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;would look at a proposal to build a rapid response mechanism to counter Russian disinformation, and, in a reference to China, spoke of the need to stand up for open markets and democracy.

"On all of these areas we want to be absolutely firm, and standing shoulder to shoulder not just with Americans, as important as they are, but also with our wider allies - that's why the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;is so important," Raab said.

Raab and Blinken are also expected to discuss ongoing trade talks with the United States as&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;seeks a so-far elusive deal, touted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as one of the biggest opportunities opened by quitting the European Union.

Foreign ministers of the G7 rich countries gather in London on Monday for their first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with British host Dominic Raab opening with talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Foreign ministers of the G7 rich countries gather in London on Monday for their first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with British host Dominic Raab opening with talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The week is billed by Britain, which holds the group's rotating presidency, as a chance to reassert the West's influence and address issues such as the coronavirus recovery, climate change and how to deal with China and Russia. Also read: G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says The ministers will lay groundwork for US President Joe Biden's first scheduled trip abroad since taking office: a G7 summit in Britain next month meant to revive cooperation with traditional allies after years of friction under Donald Trump. In addition to the G7 members Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, Britain has also invited ministers from Australia, India, South Africa and South Korea this week. Meetings will kick off with dinner on Monday evening. Before that, Raab and Blinken will meet to discuss shared goals. Britain is keen to capitalise on Biden's willingness to re-engage with global efforts to fight climate change, and to restore a nuclear deal with Iran repudiated by Trump. Raab said on Sunday the G7 would look at a proposal to build a rapid response mechanism to counter Russian disinformation, and, in a reference to China, spoke of the need to stand up for open markets and democracy. "On all of these areas we want to be absolutely firm, and standing shoulder to shoulder not just with Americans, as important as they are, but also with our wider allies - that's why the G7 is so important," Raab said. Raab and Blinken are also expected to discuss ongoing trade talks with the United States as Britain seeks a so-far elusive deal, touted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as one of the biggest opportunities opened by quitting the European Union.

Britain hosts first G7 foreign ministers meeting since start of pandemic

Foreign&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;of the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;rich countries gather in London on Monday for their&nbsp;first&nbsp;in-person&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;since&nbsp;the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;began, with British host Dominic Raab opening with talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The week is billed by&nbsp;Britain, which holds the group's rotating presidency, as a chance to reassert the West's influence and address issues such as the coronavirus recovery, climate change and how to deal with China and Russia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says">G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says</a>

The&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;will lay groundwork for U.S. President Joe Biden's&nbsp;first&nbsp;scheduled trip abroad&nbsp;since&nbsp;taking office: a&nbsp;G7&nbsp;summit in&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;next month meant to revive cooperation with traditional allies after years of friction under Donald Trump.

In addition to the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;members Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States,&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;has also invited&nbsp;ministers&nbsp;from Australia, India, South Africa and South Korea this week.&nbsp;Meetings will kick off with dinner on Monday evening.

Before that, Raab and Blinken will meet to discuss shared goals.&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;is keen to capitalise on Biden's willingness to re-engage with global efforts to fight climate change, and to restore a nuclear deal with Iran repudiated by Trump.

Raab said on Sunday the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;would look at a proposal to build a rapid response mechanism to counter Russian disinformation, and, in a reference to China, spoke of the need to stand up for open markets and democracy.

"On all of these areas we want to be absolutely firm, and standing shoulder to shoulder not just with Americans, as important as they are, but also with our wider allies - that's why the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;is so important," Raab said.

Raab and Blinken are also expected to discuss ongoing trade talks with the United States as&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;seeks a so-far elusive deal, touted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as one of the biggest opportunities opened by quitting the European Union.

Foreign ministers of the G7 rich countries gather in London on Monday for their first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with British host Dominic Raab opening with talks with U.

Foreign ministers of the G7 rich countries gather in London on Monday for their first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with British host Dominic Raab opening with talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The week is billed by Britain, which holds the group's rotating presidency, as a chance to reassert the West's influence and address issues such as the coronavirus recovery, climate change and how to deal with China and Russia. Also read: G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says The ministers will lay groundwork for U.S. President Joe Biden's first scheduled trip abroad since taking office: a G7 summit in Britain next month meant to revive cooperation with traditional allies after years of friction under Donald Trump. In addition to the G7 members Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, Britain has also invited ministers from Australia, India, South Africa and South Korea this week. Meetings will kick off with dinner on Monday evening. Before that, Raab and Blinken will meet to discuss shared goals. Britain is keen to capitalise on Biden's willingness to re-engage with global efforts to fight climate change, and to restore a nuclear deal with Iran repudiated by Trump. Raab said on Sunday the G7 would look at a proposal to build a rapid response mechanism to counter Russian disinformation, and, in a reference to China, spoke of the need to stand up for open markets and democracy. "On all of these areas we want to be absolutely firm, and standing shoulder to shoulder not just with Americans, as important as they are, but also with our wider allies - that's why the G7 is so important," Raab said. Raab and Blinken are also expected to discuss ongoing trade talks with the United States as Britain seeks a so-far elusive deal, touted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as one of the biggest opportunities opened by quitting the European Union.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit the United Kingdom tomorrow for the G7 Foreign Minister's meet. The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting, for which FMs of Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also been invited.&nbsp;

"External Affairs Minister will be visiting London from May&nbsp;3-6,&nbsp;2021 to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, at which India has been invited as a guest country. He will thereafter undertake a bilateral visit to the UK," the ministry of external affairs release said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-to-visit-london-to-discuss-global-medical-supply-chain-in-g7-ministerial-381800" hreflang="en">Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial</a>

The meet takes place in London from May 3&nbsp;to 5&nbsp;and will be the first physical G7 FMs meet to take place in over two years. The last such G7 FMs meet took place in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019.&nbsp;

Ahead of the visit, EAM and UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab both spoke to each other on a range of issues including the ongoing covid pandemic in India. The UK is sending supplies to India to deal with the devastating covid pandemic. These supplies include 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-needs-to-take-some-decisions-to-ease-pandemic-situation-381794" hreflang="en">India needs to take some decisions to ease pandemic situation</a>

The visit by EAM will not only see him taking part in G7 FMs meet but also many bilaterals as well. US Secretary of state Antony Blinken will also travel to London and a bilateral between the two is likely. This will the first physical meet between the 2 ministers since the new Biden administration took charge.

"Secretary Blinken will attend the G7 Foreign and Development Minister’s Meeting in London, the United Kingdom, from May 3-5, 2021," the US State Department said.

G7 is a grouping of 7 industrialized countries--Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US &amp; UK - plus the EU. The key focus of the meet obviously will be on the ongoing covid crisis that continues to ravage large parts of the world but also Climate Change with the UK set to host the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year.

The meet will also talk about the agenda of the upcoming G7 leaders meet under UK's chairmanship. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th G7 summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, the UK from 11th to 13th June. India has been regularly invited for the G7 summit since 2019--first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical G7 meet last year, under the then US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to covid pandemic.&nbsp;

The then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. Group became G7 after Russia was "disinvited" in 2014 over the Crimea crisis.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit the United Kingdom tomorrow for the G7 Foreign Minister's meet. The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting, for which FMs of Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also been invited.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit the United Kingdom tomorrow for the G7 Foreign Minister's meet. The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting, for which FMs of Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also been invited. "External Affairs Minister will be visiting London from May 3-6, 2021 to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, at which India has been invited as a guest country. He will thereafter undertake a bilateral visit to the UK," the ministry of external affairs release said. Also read | Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial The meet takes place in London from May 3 to 5 and will be the first physical G7 FMs meet to take place in over two years. The last such G7 FMs meet took place in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019. Ahead of the visit, EAM and UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab both spoke to each other on a range of issues including the ongoing covid pandemic in India. The UK is sending supplies to India to deal with the devastating covid pandemic. These supplies include 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators. Also read | India needs to take some decisions to ease pandemic situation The visit by EAM will not only see him taking part in G7 FMs meet but also many bilaterals as well. US Secretary of state Antony Blinken will also travel to London and a bilateral between the two is likely. This will the first physical meet between the 2 ministers since the new Biden administration took charge. "Secretary Blinken will attend the G7 Foreign and Development Minister’s Meeting in London, the United Kingdom, from May 3-5, 2021," the US State Department said. G7 is a grouping of 7 industrialized countries--Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US & UK - plus the EU. The key focus of the meet obviously will be on the ongoing covid crisis that continues to ravage large parts of the world but also Climate Change with the UK set to host the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year. The meet will also talk about the agenda of the upcoming G7 leaders meet under UK's chairmanship. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th G7 summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, the UK from 11th to 13th June. India has been regularly invited for the G7 summit since 2019--first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical G7 meet last year, under the then US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to covid pandemic. The then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. Group became G7 after Russia was "disinvited" in 2014 over the Crimea crisis.

EAM to visit London for the G7 FMs meet tomorrow; meet with US secretary of state likely

G7,&nbsp;a grouping of seven countries is considering to build a quick response mechanism in a bid to counter Russian “propaganda”, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday. In conversation with Reuters, Raab said that the UK was urging G7&nbsp;to convene on a “rapid rebuttal mechanism” in the midst of Russian misinformation.

Currently, G7 foreign ministers are set to meet in London, marking the first such in person meeting in two years owing to the precautions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Raab also claimed that the G7 countries expect to come together to counter&nbsp;Russian propaganda. He also made a reference to China. "So that when we see these lies and propaganda or fake news being put out there, we can not just individually but come together to provide a rebuttal and frankly to provide the truth, for the people of this country but also in Russia or China or around the world," Raab said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/at-g7-biden-will-push-allies-to-act-on-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-report-379741" hreflang="en">At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report</a>

Security officials from the UK, US, and European countries believe that Russia and China are actively engaged in sowing mistrust against western countries.&nbsp; The primary tactics employed by them include spreading disinformation in elections and&nbsp;in recent times spreading lies about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Russia has denied all claims expressing that the West is drowning in anti-Russian hysteria.

China too has responded to interference claims, suggesting that the west is a “bully” with post-imperial mindsets. The country has also accused western countries of acting like global policemen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/jaishankar-to-visit-london-to-discuss-global-medical-supply-chain-in-g7-ministerial-381800" hreflang="en">Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial</a>

The UK views Russia as biggest threat to its security but considers China as its greatest long-term challenge in terms of military, economy, and technology. Recently, officials from western countries have expressed worries over the growing cooperation between Russia and China.

(With inputs from agencies)

G7, a grouping of seven countries is considering to build a quick response mechanism in a bid to counter Russian “propaganda”, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday.

G7, a grouping of seven countries is considering to build a quick response mechanism in a bid to counter Russian “propaganda”, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday. In conversation with Reuters, Raab said that the UK was urging G7 to convene on a “rapid rebuttal mechanism” in the midst of Russian misinformation. Currently, G7 foreign ministers are set to meet in London, marking the first such in person meeting in two years owing to the precautions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic. Raab also claimed that the G7 countries expect to come together to counter Russian propaganda. He also made a reference to China. "So that when we see these lies and propaganda or fake news being put out there, we can not just individually but come together to provide a rebuttal and frankly to provide the truth, for the people of this country but also in Russia or China or around the world," Raab said. Also read: At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report Security officials from the UK, US, and European countries believe that Russia and China are actively engaged in sowing mistrust against western countries. The primary tactics employed by them include spreading disinformation in elections and in recent times spreading lies about the COVID-19 vaccines. Russia has denied all claims expressing that the West is drowning in anti-Russian hysteria. China too has responded to interference claims, suggesting that the west is a “bully” with post-imperial mindsets. The country has also accused western countries of acting like global policemen. Also read: Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial The UK views Russia as biggest threat to its security but considers China as its greatest long-term challenge in terms of military, economy, and technology. Recently, officials from western countries have expressed worries over the growing cooperation between Russia and China. (With inputs from agencies)

G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says

India’s External affairs minister&nbsp;S Jaishankar will be heading to London on Monday to attend the two-day long G7 plus 3 ministerial meeting amid a Covid crisis in India.

The focus of this meet will be on the importance of global supply chains in fighting the deadly coronavirus pandemic that has taken millions of lives all across the globe. Jaishankar is aiming to use this opportunity to plan a path for the recovery of economies that have been negatively affected due to the pandemic and to find ways to battle climate change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-speaks-to-blinken-on-covid-19-situation-in-india-381784" hreflang="en">Jaishankar speaks to Blinken on COVID-19 situation in India</a>

Jaishankar will be meeting ministers in the UK on May 03 and 04, in a bid to lay the groundwork for the G7 plus 3 summit, which is scheduled for June 11-13. He will also be meeting foreign ministers of Australia and France during the same visit.

India will, once again, be aiming to come up with a positive solution to delicensing of the coronavirus vaccines in order to make the vaccines available for people, all over the world, at a lower cost and in significant quantities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-vaccine-coverage-surpasses-154800000-381783" hreflang="en">India's COVID-19 vaccine coverage surpasses 154,800,000</a>

The participants of this meeting will also try to establish routes and an arrangement through which countries will be able to provide help to other nations suffering in the coronavirus pandemic in a swift and efficient manner.

Another major issue that will be discussed during Jaishankar’s UK visit will be climate change and a plan to reduce carbon footprint. India has, in the past, taken several steps to fight against the increasing danger of climate change. However, the country is hoping to come up with more measures after the Cornwall Summit.

India’s External affairs minister S Jaishankar will be heading to London on Monday to attend the two-day long G7 plus 3 ministerial meeting amid a Covid crisis in India.

India’s External affairs minister S Jaishankar will be heading to London on Monday to attend the two-day long G7 plus 3 ministerial meeting amid a Covid crisis in India. The focus of this meet will be on the importance of global supply chains in fighting the deadly coronavirus pandemic that has taken millions of lives all across the globe. Jaishankar is aiming to use this opportunity to plan a path for the recovery of economies that have been negatively affected due to the pandemic and to find ways to battle climate change. Also read | Jaishankar speaks to Blinken on COVID-19 situation in India Jaishankar will be meeting ministers in the UK on May 03 and 04, in a bid to lay the groundwork for the G7 plus 3 summit, which is scheduled for June 11-13. He will also be meeting foreign ministers of Australia and France during the same visit. India will, once again, be aiming to come up with a positive solution to delicensing of the coronavirus vaccines in order to make the vaccines available for people, all over the world, at a lower cost and in significant quantities. Also read | India's COVID-19 vaccine coverage surpasses 154,800,000 The participants of this meeting will also try to establish routes and an arrangement through which countries will be able to provide help to other nations suffering in the coronavirus pandemic in a swift and efficient manner. Another major issue that will be discussed during Jaishankar’s UK visit will be climate change and a plan to reduce carbon footprint. India has, in the past, taken several steps to fight against the increasing danger of climate change. However, the country is hoping to come up with more measures after the Cornwall Summit.

Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial

The United States will urge its Group of Seven&nbsp;allies&nbsp;to increase pressure on&nbsp;China&nbsp;over the use of&nbsp;forced&nbsp;labor&nbsp;in its northwestern Xinjiang province, home to the Muslim Uighur minority, a top White House official said on Friday.

US&nbsp;President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will attend a meeting of the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;advanced economies in person in Britain in June, where he is expected to focus on what he sees as a strategic rivalry between democracies and autocratic states, particularly&nbsp;China.

Daleep Singh, deputy national security&nbsp;adviser&nbsp;to&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and deputy director of the National Economic Council, said the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;meeting in Cornwall would focus on health security, a synchronized economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, concrete&nbsp;actions on climate change, and "elevating shared democratic values within the&nbsp;G7."

"These are like-minded&nbsp;allies, and we want to take tangible and concrete&nbsp;actions that show our willingness to coordinate on non-market economies, such as&nbsp;China," Singh, who is helping to coordinate the meeting, told Reuters in an interview.

"The galvanizing challenge for the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;is to show that open societies, democratic societies still have the best chance of solving the biggest problems in our world, and that top-down autocracies are not the best path," he said.

Singh said Washington has already taken strong&nbsp;actions against&nbsp;China&nbsp;over human rights abuses in Xinjiang, but would seek to expand the effort with&nbsp;G7&nbsp;allies. Joint sanctions against Chinese officials accused of abuses in the province were announced last month by the United States, the European Union, Britain and Canada.

China&nbsp;denies all accusations of abuse and has responded with punitive measures of its own against the EU.

Singh said details were still being worked out ahead of the meeting, but the summit offered an opportunity for US&nbsp;allies&nbsp;to show solidarity on the issue.

"We've made our views clear that our consumers deserve to know when that the goods they're importing are made with&nbsp;forced&nbsp;labor," he said. "Our values need to be infused in our trading relationships."

Washington, he said, would be looking for the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;to take clear steps "to elevate our shared values, as democracies and, and those certainly apply to what's going on Xinjiang."

Activists and U.N. rights experts say at least 1 million Muslims have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. The&nbsp;activists and some Western politicians accuse&nbsp;China&nbsp;of using torture,&nbsp;forced&nbsp;labor&nbsp;and sterilizations.&nbsp;China&nbsp;says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.

The White House said on Friday that&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will travel to the United Kingdom and Belgium in June for his first overseas trip since taking office, including a stop at the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;Summit in Cornwall, UK, from June 11-13.

The United States will urge its Group of Seven allies to increase pressure on China over the use of forced labor in its northwestern Xinjiang province, home to the Muslim Uighur minority, a top White House official said on Friday.

The United States will urge its Group of Seven allies to increase pressure on China over the use of forced labor in its northwestern Xinjiang province, home to the Muslim Uighur minority, a top White House official said on Friday. US President Joe Biden will attend a meeting of the G7 advanced economies in person in Britain in June, where he is expected to focus on what he sees as a strategic rivalry between democracies and autocratic states, particularly China. Daleep Singh, deputy national security adviser to Biden and deputy director of the National Economic Council, said the G7 meeting in Cornwall would focus on health security, a synchronized economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, concrete actions on climate change, and "elevating shared democratic values within the G7." "These are like-minded allies, and we want to take tangible and concrete actions that show our willingness to coordinate on non-market economies, such as China," Singh, who is helping to coordinate the meeting, told Reuters in an interview. "The galvanizing challenge for the G7 is to show that open societies, democratic societies still have the best chance of solving the biggest problems in our world, and that top-down autocracies are not the best path," he said. Singh said Washington has already taken strong actions against China over human rights abuses in Xinjiang, but would seek to expand the effort with G7 allies. Joint sanctions against Chinese officials accused of abuses in the province were announced last month by the United States, the European Union, Britain and Canada. China denies all accusations of abuse and has responded with punitive measures of its own against the EU. Singh said details were still being worked out ahead of the meeting, but the summit offered an opportunity for US allies to show solidarity on the issue. "We've made our views clear that our consumers deserve to know when that the goods they're importing are made with forced labor," he said. "Our values need to be infused in our trading relationships." Washington, he said, would be looking for the G7 to take clear steps "to elevate our shared values, as democracies and, and those certainly apply to what's going on Xinjiang." Activists and U.N. rights experts say at least 1 million Muslims have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. The activists and some Western politicians accuse China of using torture, forced labor and sterilizations. China says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism. The White House said on Friday that Biden will travel to the United Kingdom and Belgium in June for his first overseas trip since taking office, including a stop at the G7 Summit in Cornwall, UK, from June 11-13.

At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report

The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person&nbsp;G7&nbsp;foreign ministers meeting that will take place in London from May 3-5. The UK as the chair of the grouping for this year has invited India, along with Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
 
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said,"the meeting of&nbsp;G7&nbsp;Foreign and Development Ministers next month is an opportunity to show how the world’s biggest democracies work together to ensure equitable access to vaccines, build back better from the pandemic, support girls in the poorest countries get a good quality education and agree ambitious action to tackle climate change."

A key focus of the meet will be&nbsp;the COVID-19 crisis&nbsp;as the pandemic continues to ravage large parts of the world. Climate change will be the other big focus area, given the UK will also&nbsp;host&nbsp;the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year.

G7&nbsp;is a grouping of seven&nbsp;industrialised countries - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US &amp; UK - plus the EU. This will be the first physical&nbsp;G7&nbsp;meet to take place in over two&nbsp;years, the last being in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th&nbsp;G7&nbsp;summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, UK from June 11-13. India has been regularly invited for the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;summit since 2019, first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical&nbsp;G7&nbsp;meet last year, under the former&nbsp;US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to the&nbsp;pandemic.&nbsp; 
 
The former&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. The group became&nbsp;G7&nbsp;after&nbsp;"disinviting" Russia in 2014 over Crimea crisis.

The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting that will take place in London from May 3-5. The UK as the chair of the grouping for this year has invited India, along with Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting that will take place in London from May 3-5. The UK as the chair of the grouping for this year has invited India, along with Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said,"the meeting of G7 Foreign and Development Ministers next month is an opportunity to show how the world’s biggest democracies work together to ensure equitable access to vaccines, build back better from the pandemic, support girls in the poorest countries get a good quality education and agree ambitious action to tackle climate change." A key focus of the meet will be the COVID-19 crisis as the pandemic continues to ravage large parts of the world. Climate change will be the other big focus area, given the UK will also host the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year. G7 is a grouping of seven industrialised countries - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US & UK - plus the EU. This will be the first physical G7 meet to take place in over two years, the last being in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th G7 summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, UK from June 11-13. India has been regularly invited for the G7 summit since 2019, first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical G7 meet last year, under the former US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to the pandemic. The former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. The group became G7 after "disinviting" Russia in 2014 over Crimea crisis.

UK invites India for G7 FMs meet in London in May

Asking Moscow to respect "international obligations", the G7 nations on Thursday refused to recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea.&nbsp;

"We unequivocally denounce Russia's temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol. Russia's attempts to legitimise it are not, and will not, be recognised," the G7 nations in a statement marking the seventh anniversary of the takeover of Crimea said.&nbsp;

It also asked Moscow to allow access to "international monitors" and release all "those who are unjustly detained" in an indirect reference to top Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny and hundreds of others recently jailed.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-us-wont-accept-russias-crimea-annexation-366505">Biden says US won't accept Russia's Crimea annexation</a>

The statement comes amid the fighting between Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine's east that has damaged the ceasefire agreed upon last year.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged for a summit with European nations and suggested a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the crisis.&nbsp;

Last month, US President Joe Biden said that Washington would never recognise Moscow's annexation of Crimea and expressed solidarity with Ukraine against "Russia's aggressive acts".&nbsp;

"The United States does not and will never recognise Russia's purported annexation of the peninsula, and we will stand with Ukraine against Russia's aggressive acts," Biden had said.

Biden on Wednesday also described Putin as a "killer".&nbsp;

Asking Moscow to respect "international obligations", the G7 nations on Thursday refused to recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea. "We unequivocally denounce Russia's temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol.

Asking Moscow to respect "international obligations", the G7 nations on Thursday refused to recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea. "We unequivocally denounce Russia's temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol. Russia's attempts to legitimise it are not, and will not, be recognised," the G7 nations in a statement marking the seventh anniversary of the takeover of Crimea said. It also asked Moscow to allow access to "international monitors" and release all "those who are unjustly detained" in an indirect reference to top Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny and hundreds of others recently jailed. Also read | Biden says US won't accept Russia's Crimea annexation The statement comes amid the fighting between Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine's east that has damaged the ceasefire agreed upon last year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged for a summit with European nations and suggested a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the crisis. Last month, US President Joe Biden said that Washington would never recognise Moscow's annexation of Crimea and expressed solidarity with Ukraine against "Russia's aggressive acts". "The United States does not and will never recognise Russia's purported annexation of the peninsula, and we will stand with Ukraine against Russia's aggressive acts," Biden had said. Biden on Wednesday also described Putin as a "killer".

We will never accept Russia's occupation of Crimea: G7

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven most developed countries on Tuesday 'firmly condemned' the deadly use of force by Myanmar's military against people protesting a coup.&nbsp;

"We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union firmly condemn violence committed by Myanmar's security forces against peaceful protests," the joint statement from the G7 read.&nbsp;

According to Sputnik, at least two protesters have died after the junta seized power in Myanmar on February 1. Tens of thousands have rallied across the country to demand the release of the elected leaders, prompting a military crackdown.&nbsp;

The group offered condolences for the loss of life and called for the Myanmar military to exercise 'utmost respect and respect international law'.&nbsp;

"We offer condolences for the loss of life. The military and the police must exercise utmost restraint and respect human rights and international law. Use of live ammunition against unarmed people is unacceptable. Anyone responding to peaceful protests with violence must be held to account," the group said.&nbsp;

The group has also condemned the intimidation of those opposing the coup and raised concerns at the crackdown on freedom of expression, including through the internet blackout and draconian changes to the law that repress free speech. "The systematic targeting of protesters, doctors, civil society and journalists must stop and the state of emergency must be revoked. We continue to call for full humanitarian access to support the most vulnerable," the group continued.&nbsp;

The G7 foreign ministers reiterated their call for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained arbitrarily, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and continue to stand with the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy and freedom.&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven most developed countries on Tuesday 'firmly condemned' the deadly use of force by Myanmar's military against people protesting a coup.

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven most developed countries on Tuesday 'firmly condemned' the deadly use of force by Myanmar's military against people protesting a coup. "We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union firmly condemn violence committed by Myanmar's security forces against peaceful protests," the joint statement from the G7 read. According to Sputnik, at least two protesters have died after the junta seized power in Myanmar on February 1. Tens of thousands have rallied across the country to demand the release of the elected leaders, prompting a military crackdown. The group offered condolences for the loss of life and called for the Myanmar military to exercise 'utmost respect and respect international law'. "We offer condolences for the loss of life. The military and the police must exercise utmost restraint and respect human rights and international law. Use of live ammunition against unarmed people is unacceptable. Anyone responding to peaceful protests with violence must be held to account," the group said. The group has also condemned the intimidation of those opposing the coup and raised concerns at the crackdown on freedom of expression, including through the internet blackout and draconian changes to the law that repress free speech. "The systematic targeting of protesters, doctors, civil society and journalists must stop and the state of emergency must be revoked. We continue to call for full humanitarian access to support the most vulnerable," the group continued. The G7 foreign ministers reiterated their call for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained arbitrarily, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and continue to stand with the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy and freedom.

G7 'firmly condemns' Myanmar coup, use of force against protesters

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Top ten world news: Biden to rally G7 allies, UK vows to share vaccines and more

Some of the world's wealthiest countries are promising to share coronavirus vaccines with the poorest, but details of when and how many remain scarce as leaders of the Group of Seven economic powers hold their first meeting of 2021 on Friday.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, which holds the G-7 presidency this year, is meeting virtually with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the United States to discuss international challenges, chief among them the pandemic that has killed almost 2.5 million people around the world.&nbsp;

Wealthy nations have snapped up hundreds of millions of doses of vaccines against the virus, while some countries in the developing world have little or none.&nbsp;

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Johnson, whose country has had almost 120,000 coronavirus deaths, will promise to give the majority of any future surplus vaccines to the UN-backed COVAX effort to vaccinate the world's most vulnerable people, and will encourage other G-7 countries to do the same, the British government said.&nbsp;

But Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly said it was difficult to say with any kind of certainty when or how much Britain could donate.&nbsp;

We're not really able to give with certainty either a timescale or the numbers involved, he told the BBC.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-story-of-vaccine-haves-and-have-nots-364633">The story of vaccine haves and have nots</a>

Anti-poverty group the One Campaign said Britain's promise was not enough.&nbsp;

The virus won't wait on us to be ready before it mutates, so we need to get these vaccines around the world as quickly as possible, said Romilly Greenhill, the group's UK director.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron gave a firmer target, saying Europe and the US should allocate up to five per cent of their current Covid-19 vaccine supplies to the poorest countries very fast, so that people on the ground see it happening.&nbsp;

Some of the world's wealthiest countries are promising to share coronavirus vaccines with the poorest, but details of when and how many remain scarce as leaders of the Group of Seven economic powers hold their first meeting of 2021 on Friday.

Some of the world's wealthiest countries are promising to share coronavirus vaccines with the poorest, but details of when and how many remain scarce as leaders of the Group of Seven economic powers hold their first meeting of 2021 on Friday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, which holds the G-7 presidency this year, is meeting virtually with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the United States to discuss international challenges, chief among them the pandemic that has killed almost 2.5 million people around the world. Wealthy nations have snapped up hundreds of millions of doses of vaccines against the virus, while some countries in the developing world have little or none. × Johnson, whose country has had almost 120,000 coronavirus deaths, will promise to give the majority of any future surplus vaccines to the UN-backed COVAX effort to vaccinate the world's most vulnerable people, and will encourage other G-7 countries to do the same, the British government said. But Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly said it was difficult to say with any kind of certainty when or how much Britain could donate. We're not really able to give with certainty either a timescale or the numbers involved, he told the BBC. Also Read: The story of vaccine haves and have nots Anti-poverty group the One Campaign said Britain's promise was not enough. The virus won't wait on us to be ready before it mutates, so we need to get these vaccines around the world as quickly as possible, said Romilly Greenhill, the group's UK director. French President Emmanuel Macron gave a firmer target, saying Europe and the US should allocate up to five per cent of their current Covid-19 vaccine supplies to the poorest countries very fast, so that people on the ground see it happening.

Britain vows to ‘share’ vaccines with poor nations as G-7 meets

Tokyo has unveiled its first major community hub for the LGBTQ community as a part of the pre-Olympics project to fight against discrimination.

The installation is called Pride House Tokyo and the campaigners are hoping to fight the stigma and raise awareness about the discrimination that the LGBTQ community faces.

This is similar to the inclusive pop-up sites that have been set up at past Olympics. However, Tokyo has set this up as a permanent meeting space. Through this, the authorities hope to educate the public about sexual diversity.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2021-tokyo-marathon-postponed-until-after-olympics-333908">Also read:&nbsp;2021 Tokyo Marathon postponed until after Olympics</a>

Pride House will also provide a safe space to the people who undergo hardships and/or suffer&nbsp;harassment or discrimination.

This is being seen as a powerful move as Japan is the only G7 country that does not allow/recognise same-sex relationships.

"Japan, not just in sporting circles but society as a whole — including schools and workplaces — is not friendly to LGBTQ people, and it is hard to come out," Gon Matsunaka, who heads the project behind Pride House, told AFP.

<img alt="Tokyo's Pride House" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2c1b9de2-056b-4a23-b5e0-4a3410b034ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tokyo%27s%20Pride%20House.jpg" />

Pride House Tokyo Legacy&nbsp;"will be a landmark that could change the landscape for LGBTQ people in Japanese society," Matsunaka said.

The International Olympic Committee supported the move by adding that in sports, everyone is equal and thus the IOC is happy with the installation.&nbsp;

"We therefore welcome that Tokyo 2020 has embedded diversity and inclusion in the Olympic Games model," he said, wishing "the Pride House Tokyo success".

Tokyo has unveiled its first major community hub for the LGBTQ community as a part of the pre-Olympics project to fight against discrimination. The installation is called Pride House Tokyo and the campaigners are hoping to fight the stigma and raise awareness about the discrimination that the LGBTQ community faces.

Tokyo has unveiled its first major community hub for the LGBTQ community as a part of the pre-Olympics project to fight against discrimination. The installation is called Pride House Tokyo and the campaigners are hoping to fight the stigma and raise awareness about the discrimination that the LGBTQ community faces. This is similar to the inclusive pop-up sites that have been set up at past Olympics. However, Tokyo has set this up as a permanent meeting space. Through this, the authorities hope to educate the public about sexual diversity. Also read: 2021 Tokyo Marathon postponed until after Olympics Pride House will also provide a safe space to the people who undergo hardships and/or suffer harassment or discrimination. This is being seen as a powerful move as Japan is the only G7 country that does not allow/recognise same-sex relationships. "Japan, not just in sporting circles but society as a whole — including schools and workplaces — is not friendly to LGBTQ people, and it is hard to come out," Gon Matsunaka, who heads the project behind Pride House, told AFP. Pride House Tokyo Legacy "will be a landmark that could change the landscape for LGBTQ people in Japanese society," Matsunaka said. The International Olympic Committee supported the move by adding that in sports, everyone is equal and thus the IOC is happy with the installation. "We therefore welcome that Tokyo 2020 has embedded diversity and inclusion in the Olympic Games model," he said, wishing "the Pride House Tokyo success".

Matter of pride: Tokyo unveils LGBTQ landmark before Olympics

The US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to host the delayed G7 Summit after the Presidential elections scheduled in November 2020.

The&nbsp;Group of Seven summit was to be held in June this year but the US President Donald Trump had decided to postpone it due to the ongoing pandemic, which had sent the world in a worldwide lockdown. Since then, trump has been unable to host the summit due to the surge in coronavirus cases, especially in the US.

However, Trump has now announced that he would like to host the summit in a "calmer atmosphere" after the November 3 presidential elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-china-would-be-needed-in-expanded-g7-summit-310694">Also read|&nbsp;Russia says China would be needed in expanded G7 summit</a>

"I'm much more inclined to do it sometime after the election. ... We could do it through teleconference or we could do it through a meeting," Trump said at a news conference from White House. He feels November would be a&nbsp;"better, calmer atmosphere to have a G7."

However, he has not given any conformation on whether or not Russian President Vladimir Putin will be invited to this summit, after he declared his intentions of extending invitations to Russia, India, South Korea and Australia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-politics-over-g7-expansion-heats-up-303077">Also watch|&nbsp;Gravitas: Politics over G7 expansion heats up</a>

&nbsp;"I don`t know but we have invited a number of people to the meeting. I certainly would invite him to the meeting," he said, adding that no date has been finalised yet, and therefore the invitations have not been sent out.

The invite as discussed between Trump and Putin over a phone call in June. Russia was once a part of the then-called G8 group, but was expelled in 2014&nbsp;after annexing the Crimea region from Ukraine, and the name was changed to G7 — which includes the US,&nbsp;Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Japan and Canada.

The US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to host the delayed G7 Summit after the Presidential elections scheduled in November 2020. The Group of Seven summit was to be held in June this year but the US President Donald Trump had decided to postpone it due to the ongoing pandemic, which had sent the world in a worldwide lockdown.

The US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to host the delayed G7 Summit after the Presidential elections scheduled in November 2020. The Group of Seven summit was to be held in June this year but the US President Donald Trump had decided to postpone it due to the ongoing pandemic, which had sent the world in a worldwide lockdown. Since then, trump has been unable to host the summit due to the surge in coronavirus cases, especially in the US. However, Trump has now announced that he would like to host the summit in a "calmer atmosphere" after the November 3 presidential elections. Also read| Russia says China would be needed in expanded G7 summit "I'm much more inclined to do it sometime after the election. ... We could do it through teleconference or we could do it through a meeting," Trump said at a news conference from White House. He feels November would be a "better, calmer atmosphere to have a G7." However, he has not given any conformation on whether or not Russian President Vladimir Putin will be invited to this summit, after he declared his intentions of extending invitations to Russia, India, South Korea and Australia. Also watch| Gravitas: Politics over G7 expansion heats up "I don`t know but we have invited a number of people to the meeting. I certainly would invite him to the meeting," he said, adding that no date has been finalised yet, and therefore the invitations have not been sent out. The invite as discussed between Trump and Putin over a phone call in June. Russia was once a part of the then-called G8 group, but was expelled in 2014 after annexing the Crimea region from Ukraine, and the name was changed to G7 — which includes the US, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Japan and Canada.

Trump wants to host G7 Summit after November elections in 'calmer atmosphere'

Germany has rejected a proposal by US President Donald Trump to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin back into the Group of Seven (G7) most advanced economies, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a newspaper interview published on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-boost-ability-to-handle-space-threat-from-russia-china-316018">Also read: UK to boost ability to handle space threat from Russia, China</a> 
 
Trump raised the prospect last month of expanding the G7 to again include Russia, which had been expelled in 2014 following Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russian-navy-to-get-hypersonic-nuclear-strike-weapons-316099">Also read: Putin says Russian Navy to get hypersonic nuclear strike weapons</a> 
 
But Maas told Rheinische Post that he did not see any chance for allowing Russia back into the G7 as long as there was no meaningful progress in solving the conflict in Crimea as well as in eastern Ukraine.

Russia itself could make the biggest contribution to becoming part of the G7 format again by contributing to a peaceful solution in the Ukraine conflict, Maas said.

Russia is still part of the G20, a broader grouping including other emerging-market economies.

"G7 and G20 are two sensibly coordinated formats. We don't need G11 or G12 anymore," Maas said in reference to Trump's proposal to invite not only Russia, but other countries to G7 meetings.

Maas described the relationship with Russia as "currently difficult" in many areas. "But we also know that we need Russia to solve conflicts such as those in Syria, Libya and Ukraine. That will not work against Russia, but only with Russia."

Germany, which took over the rotating six-month EU presidency on July 1, has taken on a mediating role in the conflict in Libya as well as in Ukraine.

"But Russia also has to make its contribution, which is very slow in Ukraine," Maas said.

Germany has rejected a proposal by US President Donald Trump to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin back into the Group of Seven (G7) most advanced economies, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a newspaper interview published on Monday.

Germany has rejected a proposal by US President Donald Trump to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin back into the Group of Seven (G7) most advanced economies, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a newspaper interview published on Monday. Also read: UK to boost ability to handle space threat from Russia, China Trump raised the prospect last month of expanding the G7 to again include Russia, which had been expelled in 2014 following Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region. Also read: Putin says Russian Navy to get hypersonic nuclear strike weapons But Maas told Rheinische Post that he did not see any chance for allowing Russia back into the G7 as long as there was no meaningful progress in solving the conflict in Crimea as well as in eastern Ukraine. Russia itself could make the biggest contribution to becoming part of the G7 format again by contributing to a peaceful solution in the Ukraine conflict, Maas said. Russia is still part of the G20, a broader grouping including other emerging-market economies. "G7 and G20 are two sensibly coordinated formats. We don't need G11 or G12 anymore," Maas said in reference to Trump's proposal to invite not only Russia, but other countries to G7 meetings. Maas described the relationship with Russia as "currently difficult" in many areas. "But we also know that we need Russia to solve conflicts such as those in Syria, Libya and Ukraine. That will not work against Russia, but only with Russia." Germany, which took over the rotating six-month EU presidency on July 1, has taken on a mediating role in the conflict in Libya as well as in Ukraine. "But Russia also has to make its contribution, which is very slow in Ukraine," Maas said.

Germany rejects Trump's proposal to let Russia back into G7: Foreign Minister

The politics over G7 expansion is heating up. Russia is insisting on the inclusion of China in the revived bloc. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Moscow is unrelenting.

Gravitas: Politics over G7 expansion heats up

Russia on Tuesday batted for G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world after Trump invited Russia, India and other countries to attend G7 summit. &nbsp;

The idea of an expanded G7 summit is, in general, a step in the right direction but doesn't mean a true representation as it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China, said&nbsp;Russian Foreign Ministry Spox Maria Zakharova.&nbsp;

''The idea of an expanded G7 summit is in general a step in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-postpones-g7-summit-talks-about-inviting-india-302073">right direction</a> but doesn't mean a true representation. For instance, it's obvious that it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China,'' &nbsp;Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

''We currently have an efficient, tried and tested format, G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world, not just one part of it,'' &nbsp;Zakharova added.&nbsp;

G7 is the group of top seven developed economies. These include the US, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada. Heads of States of these countries meet annually to discuss issues of global governance, including climate change, security and the economy.

Trump has postponed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-bid-to-counter-china-invite-india-russia-to-g7-302693">G7 Summit</a> till September and expressed his desire to expand the "outdated" bloc to G10 or G11, including India, Russia, South Korea and Australia to the grouping of the world's top economies.

Russia on Tuesday batted for G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world after Trump invited Russia, India and other countries to attend G7 summit.

Russia on Tuesday batted for G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world after Trump invited Russia, India and other countries to attend G7 summit. The idea of an expanded G7 summit is, in general, a step in the right direction but doesn't mean a true representation as it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China, said Russian Foreign Ministry Spox Maria Zakharova. ''The idea of an expanded G7 summit is in general a step in the right direction but doesn't mean a true representation. For instance, it's obvious that it's hardly possible to implement serious global initiatives without China,'' Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying. ''We currently have an efficient, tried and tested format, G20, which includes G7, BRICS and other leading centres of economic growth and political influence of the entire world, not just one part of it,'' Zakharova added. G7 is the group of top seven developed economies. These include the US, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada. Heads of States of these countries meet annually to discuss issues of global governance, including climate change, security and the economy. Trump has postponed the G7 Summit till September and expressed his desire to expand the "outdated" bloc to G10 or G11, including India, Russia, South Korea and Australia to the grouping of the world's top economies.

Russia bats for G20 after US President Trump's invitation to attend for G7

Trump is trying to create a bloc to counter China with this year's G7 summit in September.

The US president thought of inviting more guests to the summit so he&nbsp;targeted&nbsp;the emerging economic powers such as Australia, Russia, South Korea and India. Trump has asserted that the current composition of the G7 is outdated.

However, the G7 members disagree as they have a problem with one particular invitee - Russia.&nbsp;

This year's G7 summit is fraught with hurdles. First China exported the virus, then it tried to kill Hong Kong and now there are riots over racism in America. Trump is the host for this year's summit and, he's created enough drama already.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-trump-delays-outdated-g7-summit-302747/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump was hell-bent&nbsp;on holding the summit, even if it was through video conferencing even as other leaders were hesitant since their countries were fighting the Wuhan virus, so according to them G7 could wait.&nbsp;

Then, Trump sent out invites again. This time for an in-person meeting towards the end of June. He said there could not be a greater example of reopening. A signal to return to normalcy.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel bluntly rejected the invite, she said the risk of the pandemic was still too great to ignore. Now, Trump has fired a fresh salvo - he wants a bigger party with Russia getting a seat at the table.

One country in the extended invitee list is surely popular with the group that's India.&nbsp;Last year, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event at Biarritz in southwestern France. The invite came from the French President Emmanuel Macron himself.&nbsp;

For India, it is an opportunity to ingratiate itself with the leading western bloc or, it may view it as a polarising move that it would rather not encourage, given the renewed embrace of the non-aligned movement.

After all, Trump did offer to mediate in the China standoff, but India politely declined the interference, as a rising economic power India can make the group more relevant.

In terms of GDP - India has surpassed Canada, Italy, France, and the UK but, two of these countries - France and the UK - hold a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. India believes it deserves to be on the Security Council.

The US, France, and UK may support India's bid at this point but it is unclear if India's inclusion in G7 summit will be made permanent but, it could surely help India make its pitch for the coveted seat at the UN Security Council.

As far as Russia is concerned, it has&nbsp;a troublesome history. Until 2014, G7 used to be G8, Russia was a part of the group.&nbsp;However, in 2014, Russia was expelled because it captured the Crimea region in Ukraine.

So the G7 was left with the US, Japan, France, Germany, UK, Canada, and Italy. Canada's PM Justin Trudeau has already expressed reservations about Russia. Trump has been pushing for Russia's inclusion since he took office in 2017. Mostly to draw Moscow away from its flowering relationship with Beijing.

Russia has reacted to the invite with skepticism. The Kremlin has asked for more information. It even asked what's on the agenda?

Trump had to make a phone call to Putin to convince him. On the other hand, Australia and South Korea have accepted the invite. Australia in particular has garnered tremendous goodwill with Trump after they called for an investigation into the Wuhan virus outbreak.

Trump is trying to create a bloc to counter China with this year's G7 summit in September. The US president thought of inviting more guests to the summit so he targeted the emerging economic powers such as Australia, Russia, South Korea and India.

Trump is trying to create a bloc to counter China with this year's G7 summit in September. The US president thought of inviting more guests to the summit so he targeted the emerging economic powers such as Australia, Russia, South Korea and India. Trump has asserted that the current composition of the G7 is outdated. However, the G7 members disagree as they have a problem with one particular invitee - Russia. This year's G7 summit is fraught with hurdles. First China exported the virus, then it tried to kill Hong Kong and now there are riots over racism in America. Trump is the host for this year's summit and, he's created enough drama already. Trump was hell-bent on holding the summit, even if it was through video conferencing even as other leaders were hesitant since their countries were fighting the Wuhan virus, so according to them G7 could wait. Then, Trump sent out invites again. This time for an in-person meeting towards the end of June. He said there could not be a greater example of reopening. A signal to return to normalcy. German Chancellor Angela Merkel bluntly rejected the invite, she said the risk of the pandemic was still too great to ignore. Now, Trump has fired a fresh salvo - he wants a bigger party with Russia getting a seat at the table. One country in the extended invitee list is surely popular with the group that's India. Last year, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event at Biarritz in southwestern France. The invite came from the French President Emmanuel Macron himself. For India, it is an opportunity to ingratiate itself with the leading western bloc or, it may view it as a polarising move that it would rather not encourage, given the renewed embrace of the non-aligned movement. After all, Trump did offer to mediate in the China standoff, but India politely declined the interference, as a rising economic power India can make the group more relevant. In terms of GDP - India has surpassed Canada, Italy, France, and the UK but, two of these countries - France and the UK - hold a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. India believes it deserves to be on the Security Council. The US, France, and UK may support India's bid at this point but it is unclear if India's inclusion in G7 summit will be made permanent but, it could surely help India make its pitch for the coveted seat at the UN Security Council. As far as Russia is concerned, it has a troublesome history. Until 2014, G7 used to be G8, Russia was a part of the group. However, in 2014, Russia was expelled because it captured the Crimea region in Ukraine. So the G7 was left with the US, Japan, France, Germany, UK, Canada, and Italy. Canada's PM Justin Trudeau has already expressed reservations about Russia. Trump has been pushing for Russia's inclusion since he took office in 2017. Mostly to draw Moscow away from its flowering relationship with Beijing. Russia has reacted to the invite with skepticism. The Kremlin has asked for more information. It even asked what's on the agenda? Trump had to make a phone call to Putin to convince him. On the other hand, Australia and South Korea have accepted the invite. Australia in particular has garnered tremendous goodwill with Trump after they called for an investigation into the Wuhan virus outbreak.

Trump's bid to counter China: Invite India, Russia to G7

The EU's chief diplomat on Tuesday warned President Donald Trump he did not have the power to change the format of&nbsp;G7&nbsp;summit, after the US leader said he wanted to invite several other countries, including Russia.

Russia was expelled from the club of the world's leading industrial nations in 2014 after annexing Crimea from Ukraine, but Trump says the current membership is outdated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-bats-for-g20-after-us-president-trumps-invitation-to-attend-for-g7-302769" hreflang="en">Russia bats for G20 after US President Trump's invitation to attend for G7</a>

Leaders from the Group of Seven: the US, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan had been scheduled to meet by videoconference this month but Trump said on Saturday that he plans to hold an in-person&nbsp;summit&nbsp;later, possibly in September.

Calling the current lineup of countries "very outdated" the US leader also said he planned to invite other countries, including Russia, to join the meeting.

But EU foreign affairs high representative Josep Borrell said that Russia had not changed course since 2014 and should not be re-admitted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-bid-to-counter-china-invite-india-russia-to-g7-302693">Trump's bid to counter China: Invite India, Russia to G7</a>

"The prerogative of the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;chair, in this case the United States, is to issue guest invitations, guest invitations reflect the host's priorities," Borrell said.

"But changing membership, changing the format on a permanent basis, is not a prerogative of the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;chair."

Later the Indian government said that Trump had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;summit.

Trump and Modi spoke by phone on Tuesday and the US president "conveyed his desire to expand the ambit of the grouping beyond the existing membership, to include other important countries including India," the Delhi government said in a statement.

Modi commended Trump "for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post-COVID world," the statement added.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rejected the idea of inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing his "continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms".

The EU's chief diplomat on Tuesday warned President Donald Trump he did not have the power to change the format of G7 summit, after the US leader said he wanted to invite several other countries, including Russia.

The EU's chief diplomat on Tuesday warned President Donald Trump he did not have the power to change the format of G7 summit, after the US leader said he wanted to invite several other countries, including Russia. Russia was expelled from the club of the world's leading industrial nations in 2014 after annexing Crimea from Ukraine, but Trump says the current membership is outdated. Also read: Russia bats for G20 after US President Trump's invitation to attend for G7 Leaders from the Group of Seven: the US, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan had been scheduled to meet by videoconference this month but Trump said on Saturday that he plans to hold an in-person summit later, possibly in September. Calling the current lineup of countries "very outdated" the US leader also said he planned to invite other countries, including Russia, to join the meeting. But EU foreign affairs high representative Josep Borrell said that Russia had not changed course since 2014 and should not be re-admitted. Also read: Trump's bid to counter China: Invite India, Russia to G7 "The prerogative of the G7 chair, in this case the United States, is to issue guest invitations, guest invitations reflect the host's priorities," Borrell said. "But changing membership, changing the format on a permanent basis, is not a prerogative of the G7 chair." Later the Indian government said that Trump had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G7 summit. Trump and Modi spoke by phone on Tuesday and the US president "conveyed his desire to expand the ambit of the grouping beyond the existing membership, to include other important countries including India," the Delhi government said in a statement. Modi commended Trump "for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post-COVID world," the statement added. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rejected the idea of inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing his "continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms".

Trump does not possess power to change format of G7: EU

U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to create a new bloc to counter China. What's at stake for India? Why is there stiff opposition to inviting Russia?

Gravitas: Trump delays 'outdated' G7 Summit

Ahead of the first virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison on June 4, the Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell has said India and Australia have obligations to keep the Indo-Pacific region "open and free" and "might is not right policies" as pursued by some countries is not acceptable.&nbsp;

Responding to a question on increased Chinese belligerence from Taiwan to India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, the Australian High Commissioner said,"We share democracies, the great game of cricket and believe in Indo-Pacific region, that the region should be free, open. As two&nbsp;great powers, we have obligations that we promoting free, open Indo-Pacific and not might is right polices."&nbsp;

Asked about the India-China stand-off, the Australian High Commissioner said it is for "India and China to resolve bilaterally and not for Australia or any country to comment on."

Describing the ties at "historic highs", Australian High Commissioner said it is "crucial for like-minded democracies to work together".&nbsp;

Australian PM was to visit India in January this year, but could not due to the devastating bush fires in the country.&nbsp;

While no time has been given on how long the virtual summit will continue, the High Commissioner lauded PM Modi for using "technology for diplomacy like TCS and Wipro have used for business and taking it to a new level". He said, "Modi hug" will be missed at the virtual summit.&nbsp;

Issues that are expected to be raised in the virtual summit include defence, including Mutual Logistics Support arrangement, maritime issues in Indo-Pacific and&nbsp;working together on COVID-19 crisis.

He backed India's request to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and US President Trump calling for New Delhi and Canberra to be part of the G7 summit this year, since "International institutions must meet the demand of the present world"&nbsp;

Both countries are also working together at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Barry O’Farrell said, "We support India's position and continue to decry to those who give financial support to terror".&nbsp;

Reiterating Australia's stance on Hong Kong and the South China Sea, the envoy said "Hong Kong citizens are legitimately concerned and new law being imposed on them" with Canberra concerned over the use of "maritime militias" in the region

Ahead of the first virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison on June 4, the Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell has said India and Australia have obligations to keep the Indo-Pacific region "open and free" and "might is not right policies" as pursued by some countries is not acceptable.

Ahead of the first virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison on June 4, the Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell has said India and Australia have obligations to keep the Indo-Pacific region "open and free" and "might is not right policies" as pursued by some countries is not acceptable. Responding to a question on increased Chinese belligerence from Taiwan to India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, the Australian High Commissioner said,"We share democracies, the great game of cricket and believe in Indo-Pacific region, that the region should be free, open. As two great powers, we have obligations that we promoting free, open Indo-Pacific and not might is right polices." Asked about the India-China stand-off, the Australian High Commissioner said it is for "India and China to resolve bilaterally and not for Australia or any country to comment on." Describing the ties at "historic highs", Australian High Commissioner said it is "crucial for like-minded democracies to work together". Australian PM was to visit India in January this year, but could not due to the devastating bush fires in the country. While no time has been given on how long the virtual summit will continue, the High Commissioner lauded PM Modi for using "technology for diplomacy like TCS and Wipro have used for business and taking it to a new level". He said, "Modi hug" will be missed at the virtual summit. Issues that are expected to be raised in the virtual summit include defence, including Mutual Logistics Support arrangement, maritime issues in Indo-Pacific and working together on COVID-19 crisis. He backed India's request to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and US President Trump calling for New Delhi and Canberra to be part of the G7 summit this year, since "International institutions must meet the demand of the present world" Both countries are also working together at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Barry O’Farrell said, "We support India's position and continue to decry to those who give financial support to terror". Reiterating Australia's stance on Hong Kong and the South China Sea, the envoy said "Hong Kong citizens are legitimately concerned and new law being imposed on them" with Canberra concerned over the use of "maritime militias" in the region

India, Australia have obligation to keep Indo-Pacific free and open, says envoy to India Barry O’Farrell

US President Donald Trump has announced that he would have to postpone a Group of Seven summit (G7 summit) until September or later, although he had hoped to hold it next month.

"I'm postponing it because I don't feel that as a G7 it properly represents what's going on in the world," Trump said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protestors-would-have-met-vicious-dogs-had-white-house-fence-been-breached-trump-302056">Also read:&nbsp;Protestors would have met 'vicious dogs' had White House fence been breached: Trump</a>

He also declared his intention of expanding the list of invitees and include Australia, Russia, South Korea and India. The original list of invitees has members that are the world's most advanced economies. However, Trump believes the list is&nbsp;a "very outdated group of countries" in its current format.

While the intention of expanding the guest list for this meeting has been made clear, it is still unclear if the change will be a permanent change or not. On several previous occasions, he suggested Russia be added given what he described as Moscow's global strategic importance.

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White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said Trump wants the countries to discuss China at the summit.

Donald Trump has endorsed the idea of in-person G7 Summit&nbsp;as, critics&nbsp;believe, this gives him a chance to showcase how US has handled the pandemic and is back to normalcy. French President Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of an in-person meeting, according to the White House.

However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined to endorse it, saying there were too many health-related questions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier this week she could not attend.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he would have to postpone a Group of Seven summit (G7 summit) until September or later, although he had hoped to hold it next month.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he would have to postpone a Group of Seven summit (G7 summit) until September or later, although he had hoped to hold it next month. "I'm postponing it because I don't feel that as a G7 it properly represents what's going on in the world," Trump said. Also read: Protestors would have met 'vicious dogs' had White House fence been breached: Trump He also declared his intention of expanding the list of invitees and include Australia, Russia, South Korea and India. The original list of invitees has members that are the world's most advanced economies. However, Trump believes the list is a "very outdated group of countries" in its current format. While the intention of expanding the guest list for this meeting has been made clear, it is still unclear if the change will be a permanent change or not. On several previous occasions, he suggested Russia be added given what he described as Moscow's global strategic importance. Also read: NASA resumes human spaceflight from US soil with historic SpaceX launch White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said Trump wants the countries to discuss China at the summit. Donald Trump has endorsed the idea of in-person G7 Summit as, critics believe, this gives him a chance to showcase how US has handled the pandemic and is back to normalcy. French President Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of an in-person meeting, according to the White House. However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined to endorse it, saying there were too many health-related questions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier this week she could not attend.

Trump postpones G7 Summit; talks about inviting India

There was a time when the G7, the group of seven represented 46 per cent of the global GDP. Today, it represents 66 per cent of the global death toll. Also read: Amid lockdown extension, UK's coronavirus death toll surges past 14,500 Six members of this powerful seven-nation body are among the world's worst-affected countries.

There was a time when the G7, the group of seven represented 46 per cent of the global GDP. Today, it represents 66 per cent of the global death toll. Also read: Amid lockdown extension, UK's coronavirus death toll surges past 14,500 Six members of this powerful seven-nation body are among the world's worst-affected countries. Japan with more than 9,000 active cases. Germany with over 4,000 deaths. United Kingdom with nearly 13,000 deaths. France with over 17,000 deaths. Italy at least 22,000 people dead. The United States close to 33,000 lives lost. Also read: Trump administration fails to cope as COVID-19 pandemic takes heavy toll These nations are struggling and then there's China which is celebrating. The virus is apparently fading in China and it seems -- so is the Chinese regime's hold over the G7. A virtual meeting took place last night. The immediate fallout of this meeting may ruin all of Beijing's celebrations. China is slowly being isolated by the G7. Questions are being raised about the origins of this virus and there are calls for accountability from new quarters. Leading the charge, like always --- is the United States and this time it is joined by Europe. The United Kingdom & France both nations have slammed china's handling of the outbreak. Though just like the G20 meeting, they did not say very much at the actual conference. Leaders remained bound by self-imposed diplomatic niceties. The gloves came off only later. Speaking at 10 downing street, the interim prime minister of the United Kingdom, Dominic Raab said that its time to ask some hard questions of China. 'Questions about how this virus came' The French president to thinks it will be 'naive' not to ask such questions. That it will be 'naive' to suggest that China had dealt with the crisis well. In a print interview, Emmanuel Macron said: "There are clearly things that have happened that we don't know about." And that there can be no comparison what so ever between "open societies and those where truth is suppressed." Some countries have been subtle in response to China. But the United States of America find it difficult to be subtle under the leadership of Donald Trump. The US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has clearly stated that China needs to come clean. His message to Beijing is: "Open up and help explain exactly how this virus spread." He contradicted himself by adding that: "We knew that China was working on this program." So, Washington was aware of inhumane medical experiments by Chinese scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Pompeo's remarks sound more like a confession than a charge because if the White House knew - what exactly did it do to stop China? Why? Because the American govt was, in fact, funding these so-called programs in Wuhan. Yesterday WION reported on how the US govt. gave a $3.7 million grant to the lab at the centre of the coronavirus scrutiny. For years, American taxpayers were unknowingly funding cruel experiments at this lab in China. The National Institutes of Health, a US government agency lists this lab as a partner. What did the Trump administration do to stop this? Now the United States wants China to come clean and take responsibility. The whole world wants China to come clean and take responsibility. But the US should also practice what it preaches.

Top G7 nations come forward to isolate China, question the origin of virus

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