Summit of opportunity

Context: The recent announcement by President Trump over the expansion of the G7 increases credibility of and opportunities for India.

Reasons for Expansion

• Rejuvenating the organisation: The G7 is considered ‘outdated’ and does not represent the world, given the realignments of the global economic powers.
• Anti-Chinese Platform: Exclusion of China with 15% of the global GDP and inclusion of Russia even after non-resolution of Crimean annexation signals towards isolating China in the global platforms.
• Opportunities for India: in terms of exchange of views over issues that are of considerable importance to India. 
• Recognition of India’s role in the post-pandemic world order. India has already surpassed Italy in terms of GDP showcasing its potential.

Implications of India’s Membership:

• Provoking China: Rising tensions between India and China due to border skirmishes along LAC and scrutinizing investment for China through FDI policy changes. 
• Not a precedent setting move: G11 won’t be the only grouping which involves India and excludes China

• e.g. Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation and Quad grouping. Therefore, this move should not be seen as retaliation against China.

• Skewed India-China ties: The relationship between Indian and China is favorable to China, which demands the hedging of India’s strategic interests by the use of global platforms.

Way Forward:

• India cannot expect long-term gains if it is included in this comity of nations solely for the purpose of isolating China. 
• It should serve India’s geo-strategic interests and within the dynamic of the short- and long-term India-China relationship.