G7 Foreign Ministers Summit kicks off, India & EU call for immediate ceasefire in Afghanistan

As a precursor to Cornwall G7 summit in June 2021, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab convened the first meeting of #G7 Foreign Ministers under our #G7UK Presidency to discuss issues including humanitarian situations in Libya, Syria and Ethiopia, threats to democracy, strengthening trade links, and battling climate change. The Foreign Secretary tweeted that today the world’s leading democracies  come together for #G7 talks and decisive action on the most critical global issues, including Russia, China, Iran, and Myanmar. The addition of our friends from Australia, India, the Republic of Korea and South Africa, as well as the chair of ASEAN reflects the growing significance of the Indo Pacific region for the G7, Dominic Raab said before the meeting.  The G7 includes the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the EU. Following talks through the day, the foreign ministers will hold a dinner discussion with guest nations Australia, India, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, and Brunei as the current ASEAN Chair. 

India’s Foreign Minister is in London with his delegation to participate in the summit. In the first major in-person diplomatic gathering since the pandemic began and the first gathering of G7 Foreign Ministers since 2019, Dominic Raab will lead discussions on pressing geopolitical issues that threaten to undermine democracy, freedoms and human rights. Unfortunetely, Indian delegation have informed that they have to self isolate themselves as per Covid protocols and will attend the meeting virtually. Many bilateral meetings are planned on the sidelines by the member countries and guests to discuss important issues. 

While the G7 Foreign Ministers meet in London, Afghan security forces fought back a huge Taliban offensive in southern Helmand province in the last 24 hours, officials and residents said on Tuesday, as militants launched assaults around the country following a missed U.S. deadline to withdraw troops. Issues relating to the Afghan peace process figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Fontelles on the sidelines of a meeting of the G7 in London. A joint press statement said, “External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Borrell jointly and firmly condemned the unacceptable level of violence perpetrated against the national forces of Afghanistan and civilians and the targeted assassinations of civil rights activists, media persons and Ulema,” and called for an immediate permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. Both leaders reiterated that an effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the peace process in the country.

Responding to media queries, MEA issued a statement today saying, “India strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Logar province of Afghanistan in which 21 innocent people died and more than 100 were injured during the month of Ramadan. India stands firm with the families of victims and with the people of Afghanistan in this hour of grief. We reiterate the urgent need for a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire leading to a sustainable peace in Afghanistan. India has been steadfast in its call to end the terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries which lead to attacks like these. India stands with the people of Afghanistan and salute the courage of brave Afghan forces in their continued fight against terrorism.”