The French city of Evian is all set to host the 52nd G7 Summit beginning today.
The meeting is getting underway with a significant positive development, as the US and Iran have finalised a deal to end their 107-day war and reopened the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway used to ferry one-fifth of global oil supplies.
Leaders of G7 countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy, have welcomed the development. In a joint statement, the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy said that the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation is essential.
Meanwhile, Evian, along with Geneva and the Lake Geneva region, has been transformed into a virtual security fortress for the G7 Summit, which will continue till Wednesday. The entire area around the summit venue has been divided into Red and Blue Zones, with entry being regulated through QR-code-based access.
French President Emmanuel Macron will formally welcome leaders of the G7 countries which include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy and Japan, along with the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission later today. India, Brazil, South Korea, Kenya and Egypt have been invited to the summit as the partner countries. Ukraine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates have also been invited for the summit.
The G7 Summit under the French Presidency has chosen some key priorities for the current year. In broader terms, these include reducing excessive macroeconomic imbalances, fostering shared growth and renewing international partnerships.
Discussions are also expected on strengthening the resilience of critical and mineral value chains, protecting minors online, and settling major geopolitical crises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Evian tomorrow to participate in the Summit.
He is visiting the French city at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit holds immense significance, providing Prime Minister Narendra Modi a crucial platform to engage with world leaders on issues vital not just to India, but to the entire Global South.
Notably, this marks India’s thirteenth participation at the G7 Summit and the Prime Minister’s seventh consecutive participation. India’s regular participation at the G7 Summits reflects the increasing recognition of New Delhi’s role and contributions in addressing global challenges related to peace, security, development and environmental sustainability.Ankit Kumar, Akashvani News, Evian, France.