In a shining example of diplomatic
elan and finesse Modi punctured Pakistan’s hopes of internationalising Kashmir
issue. At a time when Pakistan is holding on to the lone thread of Trump’s on
and off remarks on Kashmir mediation, Modi held a meeting with President Donald
Trump along the sidelines of G7 summit. Without brooking on Kashmir issue, he
discussed trade and energy. Categorically rejecting third country mediation he
stated all India-Pakistan issues are bilateral and that both were together
before 1947. Trump’s off the cuff remarks on Kashmir provided much needed oxygen
for Pakistan’s anti-India agenda. By consistently advocating bilateral nature
of India-Pakistan Modi took steam out of Pakistan’s agenda of dragging Kashmir
issue to international forums. Spooked by India’s statement and Trump’s admission
that Kashmir is bilateral issue, left isolated Imran Khan issued a nuclear war
threat. Through deft diplomatic manoeuvring Modi rendered not only Trump’s regular
outbursts on Kashmir redundant but stumped Sino-Pakistan’s badgering.
Even in his discussions with Prime
Minister of UK, Modi didn’t raise Kashmir issue. But ahead of the bilateral
meeting with Trump, he discussed Kashmir issue over the leadership dinner. To
the worst embarrassment of Pakistan and China, Kashmir didn’t figure even in
the G7 declaration. On the contrary, Hongkong protests, Iran, Libya, Trade,
Ukraine found a mention. India pulled a major diplomatic victory by assuring
world leaders that India is in full control of Kashmir situation. To the
consternation of Pakistan geopolitical cauldron simmering over escalating trade
tariff, Gulf crisis, unabated missile testing of North Korea and maritime tension
flareups in South China Sea has hardly any time for Kashmir issue. Having
eroded its reputation as motherhood of terrorism, Pakistan’s familiar nuclear
threats hardly evokes any response now. By contrast, India’s assurances as a responsible
nuclear power are more impactful.
Over years, India’s steady growth,
adherence to international values deservedly made it an emerging power. As a recognition
to its growing stature, India is now invited to be part of multilateral forums.
Lending more credence to democratic
voices across the globe, France, the host country of G7 summit invited leaders
of India, Australia, Spain, South Africa, Chile, Senegal, Egypt, Burkina Faso,
Rwanda to the special outreach session of the G7 Summit.
Themed on “Inequality” the 45th
G7 Summit held at Biarritz; France between August 24-26 witnessed heavy diplomatic
activity. The grouping of advanced economies-the US, the UK, France, Germany,
Italy and Japan formed G6 in 1975. A year later Canada joined the group making
it G7. After Russia’s admission into the group in 1998, the club which accounted
for 40% of global economy became popular as G8. In 2014 Russia was expelled over
Crimean annexation issue.
Lately, the group which used to be an
influential voice started losing its sheen. In absence of consensus building over
global issues and mired in controversies, analysts are now questioning the relevance
of this influential club. The fissures are becoming more prominent with every
passing year. Last year, Trump had an unpleasant spat with other members over
trade tariffs and Canada refused to sign the Joint communique. Increasingly
analysts are now questioning the relevance of the group which excludes the leading
growing economies of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Geographically, the group
is devoid of countries in the Southern hemisphere altogether. Consequently, the
group seemed to be no longer pertinent to address, discuss and offer solutions for
global issues. The summit also junked the process of signing a joint communique.
Guest countries joined the G7 leaders (France, the US, Germany, Canada, Italy,
Japan and the UK) and discussed a range of issues like Biodiversity, climate
change, global trade and Digital technology. Raging Amazon fires dominated the
discussions in climate session skipped by Trump, who considers global warming
as hoax and pulled out the US from the Paris Accord.
Geopolitics is going through major churn;
economic and political world order is disrupted. The post-World war-II institutions
are tethering and showing signs of fatigue. Roiled in disagreements and
misunderstandings old multilateral forums are failing to reach a consensus on
troubling global issues. Locking horns over trade issues major powers have
shunned their responsibilities. Filling leadership lacuna middle order countries
are leading discussions on global issues. Indo-French collaborative effort to
mitigate climate change harnessing renewable energy stands as a stellar example
in that direction.
Sustaining these efforts Modi lead a
dedicated session on Digital transformation and spoke about use
of technology for payments and innovation in India. He attended session on Biodiversity,
Oceans and Climate and highlighted India’s efforts towards eliminating
single-use plastic, harnessing solar energy and sustained efforts to protect
flora and fauna. Earlier, India and France which share common vision towards
issues of climate change, conservation of biodiversity supported the Biarritz
Pledge for Fast Action on Efficient Cooling and committed to support energy
efficiency standards in refrigeration.
Along the margins of G7 summit,
Modi met UN Secretary General (SG) and discussed India’s initiative on single
use plastic, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to be launched in
New York. In response to SG’s climate concerns on the thermal emissions, Modi explained
India’s renewable energy popularisation efforts and the incumbent need to be part
of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for largescale use of nuclear power.
Guterres expressed his willingness to support India’s bid for membership at
NSG. Modi held talks with President of Senegal on the final day.
While neighbouring Pakistan is unravelling
itself by accusing the Muslim Ummah for honouring Modi and intensifying
cyberwar of inundating social and print media with malicious anti-India
propaganda, Modi is slowly wining the world marshalling all the diplomatic
sources at his behest. By taming President Trump, Modi has unequivocally
changed the game.
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