Need to raise voice together against unilateral attempts to change status quo, PM Modi at G7 Summit

During a G7 Working session address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, reaffirmed India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine crisis and said that he views Ukraine's current situation as an issue of humanity and human values instead of politics or economy. He also urged the international community to collectively raise voice against any unilateral attempt to change ‘status quo’.

In the ongoing G7 summit in Hiroshima, PM Modi used the platform to condemn other countries' efforts to change the status quo. He encouraged fellow leaders to raise voice collectively against any such attempt. He mentioned the need to resolve territorial dispute or any tension in a peaceful manner through dialogue.

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"Today we heard from President Zelensky. I also met him yesterday. I do not consider the current situation as an issue of politics or economy. I believe it is an issue of humanity, an issue of human values," the prime minister said.

"We have said from the beginning, that dialogue and diplomacy is the only way. And to solve this situation, we will try as much as possible, whatever can be done from India," PM Modi added.

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The prime minister also reiterated that India will do whatever is possible to resolve the conflict. His comments came after Ukraine President, Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the G7 leaders seeking global support for Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression. Discussion in the three-day summit revolved mainly around the war in Ukraine.

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Notably, his comments came at a time when India is at loggerheads with China over border row in eastern Ladakh and the ongoing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Emphasising on the need to resolve dispute with the help of dialogue, PM said,"If a solution is found by law, it should be accepted. And in this spirit, India resolved its land and maritime boundary dispute with Bangladesh," he said.

Later, the Indian PM emphasised on the importance to respect the UN Charter, international law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.

Developing countries bearing the brunt of war

Prime Minister reminded everyone in the session about the direct and accentuated impact of global situation like food, fuel and fertilizer crisis on developing countries.

"Global peace, stability and prosperity is a common objective of all of us. In today's interconnected world, tension in any one region affects all countries. And, developing countries, which have limited resources, are affected the most," he said.

Prime Minister Modi encouraged his fellow leaders to turn to Buddha and his teaching to find solution of modern-sage problems. He quoted Buddha to say that enmity is pacified by affinity and that “we should move forward together with everyone in this spirit.”

Recalling the common thread of Lord Buddha between India and Japan, PM said, “There is no problem in the modern age, whose solution we cannot find in the teachings of Buddha,”

The G7 summut is being attended by all the member countries including the US, France, the UK, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan, represent the world's richest democracies. Japan invited India and severn other nations to the summit.

(With inputs from PTI)