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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Common goals: On India and a five-nation tour
On his way to Brazil to attend the ongoing BRICS summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made back-to-back bilateral visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina. Each stop was with a view to enhancing bilateral cooperation in fields which included some common themes on pharmaceuticals and vaccines, digital technology, food security and critical minerals. In Accra, India-Ghana ties were upgraded to a comprehensive partnership, with discussions on helping Ghana become a 'vaccine hub' for West Africa. In the Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, there was a major MoU on 'Indian pharmacopeia', to improve access to quality and affordable generic medicines from India. In Buenos Aires, President Javier Milei agreed to enhance cooperation on critical minerals as well as Argentina's vast reserves of shale gas and oil, while India pitched its pharma to Argentina. The three stops were in countries of the 'developing world' or the Global South, and the onward journey to Brazil, and then to Namibia, also highlight India's commitment to building alternative economic mechanisms to the 'developed world' or Global North. India's offer of cooperation for low-cost solutions to global challenges includes the promotion of India-led international organisations such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to these countries. Mr. Modi also made his signature pitch to the Indian diaspora — his speech in the Port of Spain, where Indian labour was brought by British colonial ventures since 1845, is one to note. Referring to the Indian ancestry of President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Mr. Modi said that the 35 million Indian diaspora worldwide were India's 'pride'. It is also impossible to escape the deep connections between India and the five nations in terms of political history. Each country shares a bond — colonies that suffered under British, Spanish, Portuguese and German forces — and why some of them joined the Non-Aligned Movement. They have all, at various points, committed to building South-South cooperation, and India and Brazil's role in founding the BRIC mechanism, along with Russia and China, and IBSA with South Africa, was an outcome, strongly pitching the interests of the Global South. None of the countries on the tour can be called 'anti-West', and New Delhi has had some differences with them over specific conflicts (Ukraine and Gaza). The motivating force behind the ties, however, and consequently Mr. Modi's nine-day itinerary, is more about a common desire to look beyond the present global order to one that is more equal, representative, and sensitive to the needs of developing and under-developed nations.
India.com
19-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Despite Being Fastest Growing Economy, India Has Met Green Energy Targets: Hardeep Puri
New Delhi: Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday that despite being the fastest-growing major economy in the world, India is one of the first countries to complete the Paris commitments on green energy ahead of schedule. He highlighted that during the G7 outreach session on energy security in Canada, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the major challenges like ensuring energy security for future generations and emphasised the need for all countries to work together on Energy Transition and move forward in the spirit of 'not me, but we'. Under the guidance of PM Modi, today almost all the houses in India are connected to electricity. India is counted among the countries with the lowest per-unit electricity cost, the minister said. "We are also moving fast towards the goal of Net Zero by 2070. Moving firmly towards the target of 500 GW renewable energy by 2030, India is emphasising on green hydrogen, nuclear energy, and ethanol blending for Clean Energy,' the minister said. In his address at the G-7 outreach session, PM Modi stressed that affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy remains India's top priority in an increasingly technology-driven world. "In the last century, we saw competition for energy. In this century, we will have to cooperate for technology. Moving forward on the fundamental principles of availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability, India has chosen the path of inclusive development," the Prime Minister said. He underscored India's clean energy initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance. PM Modi noted that India has already fulfilled its Paris climate commitments ahead of schedule and is rapidly advancing toward its Net Zero target by 2070. "Currently, renewable energy accounts for around 50 per cent of our total installed capacity," he added. PM Modi also called for global cooperation to build governance frameworks around artificial intelligence that both encourage innovation and address emerging risks. 'AI itself is an energy-intensive technology. If there is any way to sustainably fulfil the energy requirements of a technology-driven society, it is through renewable energy," the Prime Minister had added.
Indian Express
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
One visit, many openings: At G7, a step forward in India-Canada ties
After much anxiety on both sides, India and Canada have finally begun to turn a new page in their bilateral relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Canada for the G7 summit concluded with significant positives. His meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, described by the latter as a 'foundational' step in rebuilding India-Canada relations, was crucial. Importantly, threats by some Sikh organisations to ambush PM Modi did not materialise at all, underscoring the resilience of diplomacy against disruptive elements. After the summit, Carney publicly acknowledged India's 'natural' and 'consistent' place at the G7 table, reflecting Canada's recognition of India's growing global stature and the Carney government's pragmatic resolve to address worsening bilateral ties. Carney emphasised India's importance, highlighting the 'size and dynamism of the Indian economy, Indian technology, and its role in a host of venues, G20 and beyond.' This recognition is central to India's perspective. As a proponent of making Canada an 'energy superpower', Carney lauded India's role in energy transition. At the Outreach Session, PM Modi reciprocated, underscoring the need for global energy security through sustainable and green pathways. He highlighted India's initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance. Modi's consistent push for the Global South's concerns at such a high-profile forum further solidified India's role as their leading voice. PM Modi also reaffirmed India's stance against terrorism, urging G7 leaders to galvanise global action and pushing for strict measures against those who promote and support it. He briefed leaders on Operation Sindoor, carried out against terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, demonstrating India's proactive stance. Discussions also focused on technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and quantum-related issues, with PM Modi highlighting India's experience in democratising technology. Beyond the summit, PM Modi engaged in numerous bilateral meetings with other world leaders, expanding India's diplomatic outreach. Carney's realistic and encouraging description of their meeting as a 'foundation and necessary first step' conveyed a shared will to rebuild. PM Modi unequivocally communicated that, for India, national security and the fight against terrorism remain non-negotiable priorities. India's firm stance against any double standards in combating terrorism, underscores this commitment. This comes after a year of unprecedented tensions, marked by diplomatic expulsions and strained engagements stemming from the unresolved killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated Khalistani separatist. India has consistently denied involvement, attributing the crisis to Canada's perceived leniency towards extremist elements on its soil. The most tangible outcome is the agreement to restore the role of the high commissioners. Their absence had created a glaring void, impeding diplomatic functions and harming people-to-people and business ties. Reinstating these crucial diplomatic posts, alongside resuming senior and working-level engagements, is more than procedural; it signals a clear intent to restore normalcy and vital services. Both leaders affirmed the importance of open and forward-looking dialogue, stressing mutual respect, democratic values, sovereignty, and the rule of law, along with their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Stalled trade negotiations were also discussed. Negotiations are also underway to establish a joint working group on transnational crime. While Carney portrayed that as a starting point of the conversation, India sees this as a two-way street and demands accountability on Canada's side as well. Cooperation against transnational crime and terrorism demands genuine collaboration and a clear understanding of each other's security concerns. India has consistently provided evidence and sought action against elements promoting secessionism against India from Canadian soil. A relationship built on 'mutual respect' must inherently involve Canada addressing these core Indian concerns with seriousness and demonstrable action. Carney's concluding remark that 'there is a lot of work that needs to be done' resonates deeply in New Delhi. This visit is undeniably a positive development, a crucial first step on a path that promises to be long and arduous. It is not a magical cure for the deep-seated issues plaguing the relationship. Trust, once eroded, demands time and consistent effort to rebuild. The appointment of high commissioners is a vital beginning, but the real work of repairing trust and fostering deeper cooperation still lies ahead. The writer is assistant professor, Centre for the Study of the Americas, School of International Studies, JNU
Mint
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Energy security a major challenge facing future generation: Modi at G7 meet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for renewed multilateral cooperation in energy and counterterrorism efforts, cautioning world leaders that energy security is emerging as a major challenge facing future generations and terrorism poses a grave threat to humanity. Speaking at the G7 outreach session in Kananaskis, a scenic mountain region in the Canadian province of Alberta, Modi urged the international community on Monday to support India's global efforts on clean energy and climate resilience, an official statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. The Prime Minister mentioned promoting solar energy in Sun-rich countries through the International Solar Alliance (ISA), building climate-resilient infrastructure through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and promoting biofuels through the Global Biofuels Alliance. Modi also referred to the initiatives India took on promoting sustainable lifestyles and creating a global solar power grid interconnecting the grids across time zones and continents. Addressing a session on energy security and infrastructure, Modi thanked Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney for his invitation to the event and called for renewed multilateral cooperation on terrorism, inclusive growth, and sustainable technology. Availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability are the principles that underpinned India's approach to energy security, Modi said, adding that India, the world's fastest-growing major economy, has successfully met its Paris commitments ahead of time. Modi's visit to Canada for the G7 meeting indicates that both nations are now willing to normalize bilateral ties after they reached a flash point in 2023 and 2024 following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistan separatist, in British Columbia. In 2024, former prime minister of Canada Justin Trudeau said agencies were pursuing what he described as credible allegations that agents of the Government of India were directly involved in the killing on Canadian soil, an allegation India dismissed as 'preposterous' and 'assertions without facts'. On 17 June, Canada's Prime Minister Carney said he and Modi reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India ties, based upon mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity. 'The leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries,' the statement said. It also added that Carney raised priorities on the G7 agenda, including transnational crime and repression, security, and the rules-based order. Modi also said at the energy session that in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), it is important to have secure and resilient supply chains of critical minerals. He emphasised that a technology-led world calls for closer cooperation among countries to realize a sustainable future, and to achieve it, people and planet must be kept at the centre of progress. Modi said while AI has become a critical tool to promote efficiency and innovation, the technology itself was energy intensive, and it was important to strategize how to make it sustainable through clean and green initiatives. Elaborating on India's human-centric approach to promoting technology, he noted that any technology to be effective must bring value to the lives of common people, the statement from the Prime Minister's office said. Modi suggested that addressing AI-related global governance issues was key to tackling the concerns around this technology and to promoting innovation in the field. Modi's suggestions highlight the importance India is giving to climate diplomacy and in championing the voice of the global South.
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Modi arrives in Croatia in last leg of his 3-nation tour, first Indian PM to visit country
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Croatia in the final leg of his three-nation visit. PM Modi arrived in Zagreb after concluding his visit to Canada, where he participated in the G7 Summit. The Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival in Croatia. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, marking an important milestone in the bilateral relationship with the visit opening new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Also Read | 'You are the best': PM Narendra Modi meets Italy's Giorgia Meloni at G7 Summit, video goes viral The Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and meet the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic. The visit to Croatia will also underscore India's commitment to further strengthening its engagement with partners in the European Union. PM Modi described his visit to Canada as "productive" and said the G7 Summit witnessed fruitful discussions on diverse global issues. Also Read | PM Modi's presence at G7 summit reflection of India's global leadership: Canadian PM Mark Carney "Concluding a productive Canada visit. Thankful to the Canadian people and Government for hosting a successful G7 Summit, which witnessed fruitful discussions on diverse global issues. We remain committed to furthering global peace, prosperity and sustainability," PM Modi said in a post on X. PM Modi participated in the Outreach Session of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis anddressed a Session on 'Energy Security: diversification, technology and infrastructure to ensure access and affordability in a changing world'. In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted that energy security was among the leading challenges facing future generations. While elaborating on India's commitment to inclusive growth, he noted that availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability were the principles that underpinned India's approach to energy security. He emphasised that even though India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world, it has successfully met its Paris commitments ahead of time. Highlighting India's commitment to a sustainable and green future, he underscored that India has undertaken several global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuels Alliance, Mission LiFE and One Sun- One World- One Grid, and called upon the international community to further strengthen them.
