India natural ally for G7 to take on global challenges, says Modi

June 16, 2021

NEW DELHI-- India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has described India as a "natural ally" for the G7 and its partners to defend democracy and freedom of thought from challenges arising due to authoritarianism, terrorism, disinformation and economic coercion.

In a virtual address to two outreach sessions on climate change and open societies at the G7 Summit in Cornwall, Modi highlighted India's civilisational commitment to democracy, freedom of thought and liberty.

"As the world's largest democracy, India is a natural ally for the G7 and guest countries to defend these shared values," he said.

The meeting brought together the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US, while India, Australia, South Korea and South Africa joined selected sessions as guest countries.

Indian officials said India's participation reflected understanding within the G7 that the resolution of key global crises would not be possible without India's engagement, involvement and support, and that India would remain engaged with G7 and its partners on major global issues such as access to vaccines, diversification of supply chains, building economic resilience and climate action.

(ATI).