Modi shines at Biarritz G7 Summit

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 45^th 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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