London: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday joined the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers Meeting in London virtually after he decided to withdraw from the face-to-face meetings because of possible exposure to coronavirus. The minister participated in discussions with the other foreign ministers via video link instead to focus on new ways to ensure fairer access to vaccine stockpiles and increase support for the global vaccine distribution scheme known as COVAX.
A global answer to the raging Covid-19 pandemic lies in vaccinations and a diversified production line and India will do its part in achieving those goals, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said on Wednesday. In an update on the various aspects covered in the many thought-provoking conversations at the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers Meeting in London, Jaishankar highlighted the need for greater transparency at a time when geopolitical changes have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The minister joined the sessions virtually after he had to withdraw from the face-to-face meetings because of possible exposure to coronavirus.
Geopolitical changes have been accelerated by COVID-related trends. Issues of transparency, reliability and resilience will guide policy choices, the minister tweeted. Vaccination is the only lasting solution to the COVID challenge. A global answer will require diversified production, uninterrupted supply chains and generous resourcing. India will do its part, he assured.
Some of the other aspects covered during the talks included issues such as countering fake news and strengthening the global climate partnership in the lead up to the UK-hosted COP26 UN summit in Glasgow. He added: Open Societies and personal freedoms require careful nurturing. Must be on guard against fake news and digital manipulation.
India had embraced Green Growth since 2014. Transformation stories include renewable capacity, Ujjwala, LED distribution, forest cover and Jal Jeevan. But higher green ambitions require larger green resources. COP26 will be a test. Earlier, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson took time out during the G7 sessions at Lancaster House to connect with Jaishankar via videolink.
Very good of PM Boris Johnson to reach out between the G7 sessions, the minister tweeted along with an image of his virtual meeting. Assured him that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and I will take forward the 2030 Roadmap. Committed to delivering on the Modi-Johnson vision of our ties, he said.
Members of the small delegation accompanying Jaishankar to the UK tested positive for Covid-19, forcing the minister to take his remaining schedule in London virtual as a “measure of abundant caution”.
When this report emerged, Johnson had said he would be connecting with the Indian minister virtually during the day. “We have a very important relationship with India, with our G7 partners. As I understand it, what’s happened is the individuals concerned they’re all isolating now, Johnson said.