This will be the fourth appearance of PM Narendra Modi at the G-7 to be held in Hiroshima, Japan. (Image: PTI/File)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often spoken of how Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas hold the answer to many modern challenges, and Gandhian values are becoming increasingly relevant.
India, the world’s largest democracy, is all set to send a strong message through the greatest ambassador of world peace. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a series of diplomatic missions next week, during which his first stop will be the G7 meeting in Hiroshima in Japan – a living testimony to the devastation of World War II – where he will unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. And what better way for the Prime Minister than to tell Russia and Ukraine that dialogue is the only way out of their 450-day-old war.
The most prominent messenger of peace will be installed in the city destroyed by the last world war, which becomes especially important against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Modi has often spoken about how Gandhi’s ideas hold answers to many modern challenges, and Gandhian values are becoming increasingly relevant.
This will be the Prime Minister’s fourth appearance at the G7 – he attended the meeting last year in Bavaria, Germany; Virtually in Cornwall, England in 2021; And before that, in 2019 in Biarritz, France. The 2020 meeting was canceled by the US due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This regular invitation to PM (Narendra) Modi is a sign of India’s growing importance and importance in global affairs. India has emerged as the partner of choice on the basis of its bold and independent policies. Solutions to any serious challenge of the world like climate change, terrorism, health, education, SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) cannot be found without India’s participation and contribution,” said Ashok Sajjanhar, former Ambassador of India to Sweden.
Experts highlighted India’s rising stature as a bright spot but added that it was no longer exceptional. Modi’s visit to the G7 comes at a time when India is co-chairing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as well as the G20.
As India’s policy of multi-alignment – to protect and promote its interests – enhances its credibility in global affairs, PM Modi’s 36-hour stopover in Hiroshima will be high on symbolism, but also a reminder that any The Indian presence in the global group is significant.
“There is no novelty in PM Modi going to Hiroshima, only this time India has been invited as the chair of G20. What is important is the context in which the G7 meeting is taking place. The shadow of a global recession is looming. There is a war going on in Europe, which neither Western support for Ukraine nor Western sanctions on Russia have had any significant effect. Sushant Shrin of the global think tank Observer Research Foundation said, China’s shadow is falling on the international economy and balance of power.
With this advanced status comes increased responsibilities and pressures. India wants to look for points of convergence and ensure a joint statement during the G20 Heads of State Summit in September. In Hiroshima, the fact that Australia (a Quad member), Indonesia, Vietnam and South Korea are also invited along with the Chairs of the Pacific Islands Forum and the African Union gives a clear indication of the strategic focus. The G7 deliberations will also be important for what to expect from the G20 summit to be held later in the year in New Delhi.
In his address at the 36th convocation of the Gandhigram Gramin Sansthan in November last year, Modi had said: “Whether it is ending conflicts or the climate crisis, Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts hold the answer to many of today’s challenges. As students of the Gandhian way of life, you have a great opportunity to make a big impact.”
This is the effect India is hoping for with the unveiling of Gandhi’s bust in Hiroshima.
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