At a time when Western countries are brainstorming on how to bring India onboard to openly criticise the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the newly emerging reports suggest that India may be left out of the Group of 7 diplomatic summit guest list. Germany is reportedly debating if an invite should be sent out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the country’s stance on Russia. The G7 summit is scheduled for June this year in Bavaria.
Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, reported that other Non-members of the G7, including Indonesia, Senegal and South Africa, may also be invited to the diplomatic event.
A preliminary list of possible invitees was made before February 24, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the official said. The final decision, however, is yet to be taken.
German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said in a statement, “The chancellor has repeatedly made clear that he would like to see as many international partners as possible joining the sanctions”. India, unlike its Western allies, has so far not rolled out any sanctions against Moscow.
Since the Ukrainian invasion began, New Delhi has been in diplomatic crosshairs as an uptick was noticed in Russia’s export of oil to India. United States President Joe Biden even warned Prime Minister Modi that the move was not in India’s interest. In an attempt to further isolate the Russian economy, Washington DC also offered to diversify oil exporters for the Indian market. However, India has so far made no commitments to slow down Russian oil imports.
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