G7 summit 2023 | Zelensky invites India to join Ukraine's peace formula
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photograph: (AFP)
<p><strong>G7 summit 2023: </strong>The G7 summit is being hosted by Japan's G7 presidency this year in Hiroshima, Japan. The summit in Hiroshima provides an opportunity for G7 leaders to demonstrate their strong commitment to upholding the international order based on the rule of law, as well as to expand their outreach to the Global South. The following are the primary concerns to be addressed all through the eight working sessions: Russia's aggression against Ukraine, engagement with international partners<br /> nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, economic resilience and security, climate, energy and environment, food, health and development. Leaders from Australia, Brazil, the Comoros, the Cook Islands, India, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, and Vietnam have also been invited to participate in various working sessions during the summit by the Japanese chair. <strong>The G7 meet is special for India as it is the first visit to the Japanese city by an Indian prime minister since India conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1974.</strong></p> <p>Follow the blog for all the latest updates. </p>Key Updates
20 May 2023, 6:22 PM (IST)
During the Group of Seven (G7) summit, on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India is ready to host the next Quad summit in 2024. The Quad comprises the United States, Australia, Japan, and India itself. Modi emphasised in his opening remarks at the Quad meeting that the group plays a vital role as a platform for promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
20 May 2023, 4:47 PM (IST)
"Since the last year and a half, we are constantly in touch but this is the first time we re meeting since Glasgow," said Indian PM Narendra Modi to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He was referring to the last bilateral meeting between the two leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference in the UK in 2023.
"The war in Ukraine is a major issue for the world at large. It is affecting the world in multiple ways. But for me, this is not a poltical or economy-related issue. It is a humanitarian issue for me," he said.
"You understand the pain of war better than us. But last year when our children came back from Ukraine and the way they described the situation there, I was able to better understand the pain you and people of Ukraine are currently going through," Modi told Zelensky.
"I would like to assure you that India and I, personally, would do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine," Modi said.
20 May 2023, 4:34 PM (IST)
World leaders, during the G7 summit held in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20th) emphasised the urgent need to assess the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI). They announced their plans to initiate discussions this year on the responsible use of this technology and establish a working group to address various issues related to it.
20 May 2023, 3:57 PM (IST)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 20th held bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The two leaders met with on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
According to a statement by the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Zelensky had initially planned to attend the G7 session online. However, he later decided to participate in person.
20 May 2023, 2:46 PM (IST)
The Group of Seven wealthy nations urged all parties in the Black Sea Grain arrangement on Friday to "continue and fully implement its smooth operation at its maximum potential and for as long as necessary." The Ukraine-Black Sea grain arrangement was extended for two months earlier this week, in an agreement struck a day before Russia might have left the contract due to impediments to its grain and fertiliser exports.
20 May 2023, 1:44 PM (IST)
In the joint Communique, the G7 leaders condemned in the strongest possible terms the war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine, which "constitutes a serious violation of international law, including the UN Charter."
"Russia’s brutal war of aggression represents a threat to the whole world in breach of fundamental norms, rules and principles of the international community. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes to bring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace," it added.
20 May 2023, 12:50 PM (IST)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said "peace will be closer" with the help of G7 summit meetings. This comes as a diplomatic source said he had arrived in the Japanese city of Hiroshima on a French aircraft. "Japan. G7. Important meetings with partners and friends of Ukraine. Security and increased cooperation for our victory. Today, peace will be closer," Zelensky said on social media.
20 May 2023, 11:58 AM (IST)
French President Emmanuel Macron held bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Japan.
Macron, Meloni and other G7 leaders have reached in for the three-day summit where they will be discussing global issues including ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
20 May 2023, 11:33 AM (IST)
Spouses of G7 leaders visited the Itsukushima Shrine, which is a World Heritage site.
US First Lady Jill Biden, British Prime Minister's wife Akshata Murthy, German Chancellor's wife Britta Ernst, the European Commission President's husband Heiko Von Der Leyen, and Japanese Prime Minister's wife Yuko Kishida, along with Biden's granddaughter Maisy were welcomed by the authorities with a traditional Japanese dance performance at the shrine.
20 May 2023, 10:59 AM (IST)
MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in a tweet, said that PM Narendra Modi held talks with renowned Japanese author, Hindi & Punjabi linguist, Padma Shri Dr. Tomio Mizokami in Hiroshima, Japan.
Dr. Mizokami was lauded by the prime minister for his contribution in promotion of Indian literature in Japan.
20 May 2023, 9:07 (IST)
The G7 leaders on Saturday posed for a family photo ahead of their working lunch meeting on economic security at the Grand Prince Hotel in Hiroshima. European Council President Charles Michel, Italy's Primer Minister Giorgia Meloni, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen could be seen in the family photo.
20 May 2023, 8:54 (IST)
In an interview to Yomiuri Shimbun in Japan, PM Modi was asked about China's military expansion in the South China Sea. The Indian PM cited the example of resolving border and maritime issues with Bangladesh and said New Delhi respected sovereignty.
"India stands for respecting sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes, and adherence to international law. India is committed to protecting its sovereignty and integrity while promoting peaceful resolution of maritime disputes based on international law. India has successfully resolved land and maritime boundaries with Bangladesh, showcasing its approach."
20 May 2023, 8:32 (IST)
In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine are scheduled to meet in Hiroshima, Japan on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. This meeting marks the first in-person interaction between the two leaders since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began last year.
20 May 2023, 8:19 (IST)
"I want to thank the Japanese Government for placing the bust of Mahatma Gandhi here in Hiroshima and giving me the opportunity to unveil it. We should all follow the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and walk on the path of the welfare of the world. This will be the real tribute to Mahatma Gandhi," said PM Modi during the unveiling.
