Latest news with #G-20
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Kremlin calls G-7 ‘useless', agrees with Trump that kicking out Russia was a mistake
Mr Trump said at a G-7 summit in Canada on June 16 that the G-8 had been wrong to kick out Russia in 2014 after it annexed Crimea from Ukraine. PHOTO: REUTERS MOSCOW - The Kremlin said on June 17 that US President Donald Trump was right to assert that it had been a big mistake to expel Russia from the Group of Eight in 2014, but that the G-7 was no longer significant for Russia and looked 'rather useless' now. Mr Trump said at a Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Canada on June 16 that the G-8 had been wrong to kick out Russia in 2014 after it annexed Crimea from Ukraine. 'This was a big mistake,' he said, adding he believed Russia would not have invaded Ukraine in 2022 had President Vladimir Putin not been ejected from the leaders' club. He said Mr Putin 'basically doesn't even speak to the people that threw him out, and I agree with him'. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: 'We agree with President Trump: it was a big mistake then to exclude Russia from the G-8 format.' He said the G-7 had 'lost practical significance' for Russia, given the state of world affairs. 'Given the declining share of the G-7 countries in the global economy, given all the trends that are observed in the G-7 countries and, of course, against the background of, for example, such formats as the G-20, the G-7 looks dull and rather useless,' Mr Peskov said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Australia's crucial security relationship with US the biggest loser after Donald Trump cancels Albanese meeting: defence expert
So, Donald trump has cancelled his planned meeting with Anthony Albanese – along with the chats he was to have had with others like India's Narendra Modi because the US President's priority right now is what's happening in the war between Israel and Iran. Fair enough from Trump's perspective. But where does that leave Australia and our prime minister? This was meant to be the first face-to-face meeting between our two leaders since Trump returned to office in January this year and since Mr Albanese's re-election in May. We're almost halfway through 2025 and Mr Albanese hasn't met with the leader of our most important security partner, at a time the world and regional security is on the edge - and when that alliance matters the most. Mr Modi might also be missing his G7 meeting with President Trump, but the two of them met in February. Mr Albanese has told us many times how important direct leader-to-leader discussions are when it comes to this relationship with China's Xi Jinping, and he's made it a priority to get those meetings with Xi whenever and wherever he can – including in Beijing and at G-20 gatherings. With the Trump Administration, though, he has been far less keen. During the election campaign, Mr Albanese talked down the need for an early meeting with Trump, treating it as something that would happen in due course at some time, perhaps even later this year. And there has been no apparent effort from him or his office to organise an early meeting at the White House or invite President Trump to Australia. The G7 meeting was the only chance and now that looks like it's gone. So, what are we missing? Well, it's a risky business having a one-on-one meeting with President Trump, as we know having seen his infamous meeting with Ukraine's President Zelensky and the South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa. Avoiding a meeting because of that risk is just not in Australia's interests, though. Australia has a trading relationship with the US and our security depends on our alliance with America. In both areas Mr Trump's decisions are vital to Australia and our interests. It might be a low probability thing to get the 25 per cent steel and aluminium tariffs lifted from Australian producers, but the prime minister should at least try. But the big thing Mr Albanese told us he was going to do in his meeting with Trump was get the President's backing of our multi-billion dollar AUKUS submarine partnership, which is clouded by a Pentagon review that's looking at it right now. He's lost that opportunity. And the big thing Mr Albanese was afraid of by even raising AUKUS with Trump was that the President would know that under Mr Albanese, Australia's defence effort makes many of the NATO 'underachiever' look heroic: at two per cent of GDP, our defence budget looks like a bad joke, particularly when we hear it's meant to buy an expensive conventional military and also pay for us to get eight nuclear submarines. Nuclear submarines are powerful things, but they are also eye wateringly expensive, even in the military realm where billions of dollars seems to buy very little. So, Mr Albanese has avoided having to try to justify America giving us some nuclear submarines out of its own Navy's fleet – weakening itself – to strengthen us, when we are obviously not spending or doing enough to look after our own defence. Being a free rider on American security while demanding submarines they don't have enough of themselves is a tricky thing to do. So, Mr Albanese will be quietly delighted that world events have conspired and his meeting with President Trump has been cancelled. He has avoided a risk encounter where he was on shaky ground and can say how sorry he was this 'opportunity' hasn't happened. The only losers from this turn of events are Australia and our security relationship with our key security partner. Oh, and Australian steel and aluminium producers. Let's hope Mr Albanese thinks building a personal leader-to-leader relationship with America's president is as important as his relationship with China's Xi Jinping. And that means an early trip to Washington with some actual time to get into the serious issues Australia and the US must manage together. Michael Shoebridge is a contributor and the founder and director of Strategic Analysis Australia
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Amitabh Kant resigns as G-20 Sherpa, thanks PM Modi for the opportunities
Amitabh Kant, who managed diverse assignments during his 45 years in government service, has resigned as the G-20 Sherpa. Mr. Kant, a retired 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre, was appointed as India's G-20 Sherpa in July 2022, months before India assumed the G-20 Presidency. In a LinkedIn post titled 'My New Journey', Mr. Kant said, 'After 45 years of dedicated government service, I have made the decision to embrace new opportunities and move forward in life. I am incredibly thankful to the Prime Minister of India for accepting my resignation as G-20 Sherpa and for having given me the opportunity to drive a range of developmental initiatives and contribute to the growth, development, and progress of India.' Mr. Kant, who was the face behind India's G-20 preparations, said leading multilateral negotiations as the country's Sherpa has been one of the most significant milestones in his career. In 2023, Mr. Kant said India executed one of the most inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive G-20 presidencies ever seen in the history of the forum. 'We achieved unanimous consensus on the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, despite significant geopolitical challenges, managing to refocus the world's attention on critical developmental priorities such as digital public infrastructure, multilateral financial reform, climate finance, and women-led development,' he said. He said India held G-20 meetings across every State and Union Territory, which contributed significantly to cooperative federalism by beautifying and upgrading cities, engaging local artists and craftsmen, and promoting local cuisines. 'We also successfully expanded the G-20's scope to include the African Union, fulfilling India's promise and commitment to global inclusivity and collaboration with the Global South,' he said. Earlier, as CEO of NITI Aayog from 2016-2022, Mr. Kant said he had the privilege of being part of the transformative Aspirational Districts Programme, which uplifted 115 of India's most backward districts by improving socio-economic indicators and creating opportunities for millions of our citizens. 'During those 6+ years, NITI played a key role in pushing digital public infrastructure through policy, and helped lay the foundational groundwork for India's digital revolution,' he said, adding that through the production-linked incentive schemes to boost manufacturing and accelerate industrial growth, the Green Hydrogen Mission, advanced chemistry cells, and the Atal Innovation Mission, the Aayog played a key role in positioning India as a global leader in climate action, cutting-edge innovation, and sustainable enterprise. Mr. Kant said his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, now called the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, was dedicated to reform and liberalisation, with focus on ease of doing business, and the Make in India and Startup India initiatives, which continue to act as a framework for India's thriving ecosystem of manufacturing. Throughout his career, Mr. Kant said he has been guided by a strong sense of service to a place and its people. 'Kerala was the first home to my IAS career, and I drew deeply from its communities — initiating the 'God's Own Country' campaign, supporting the expansion of Calicut Airport, and working closely with the fishermen and women of Kerala,' the former NITI Aayog CEO said. Mr. Kant said he took everything he learnt and poured it into policies at the Centre — 'Incredible India' was born during his time as Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism because he saw what shining a light on India's diversity can do for the economy, ecology, and essence of a place. 'India has, and will always be, Incredible. In a small way, I have contributed to helping the world recognise that,' he said. Mr. Kant also said he is incredibly grateful to Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and S. Jaishankar for their inspiration, guidance, and trust. 'I now look forward to contributing to India's transformational journey towards Viksit Bharat by facilitating and supporting free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academic institutions,' he said.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
No rain forecast for International Yoga Day event in Visakhapatnam on June 21, officials inform Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
Officials on Monday (June 16) informed Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that there is no forecast of rain on June 21 in Visakhapatnam, where International Yoga Day celebrations will be organised in a big way. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to take part in the event. Mr. Naidu was in the city on Monday to review the arrangements for the event at the venues (RK Beach and AU Engineering College grounds) along with officials including Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu (Yogandhra Nodal Coordinator), District Collector Harendhira Prasad and Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat. The stretches between the Naval Coastal Battery and the Park Hotel Junction on the RK beach will be main venue points for the programme. The Andhra University Engineering College grounds has been identified as an alternative venue in case of rain. At RK Beach, the Chief Minister specifically asked the officials about the weather forecast in the city on June 21. He asked officials, 'Will there be any rainfall on the day?' When the officials replied that there would be no adverse weather conditions like rain or thunder, the Chief Minister said, 'God's grace!. I am happy to know that. If that will happen, the major event will be disturbed. But make alternative arrangements. Our programme should be grand and conducted in a disciplined way. Plan a mock yoga programme with the registered participants.' Later, he went to the AU Engineering College grounds in the afternoon. Briefing the Chief Minister on the arrangements, the officials reiterated that 607 secretariat (Sachivalayam) staff have been directed to coordinate with the registered participants in Yogandhra and ensure that they do not face any problems. They also explained about parking facilities, water and medical supplies for the participants. They also explained about alternative routes to general public during the event. Beautification drive The Beach Road, which underwent a beautification drive ahead of the G-20 summit in 2023, is now also being decorated for the Yogandhra. Some of the highlights include a floral-themed structure and a large paintbrush adorned with greenery, symbolising the State government's 'Haritha Andhra Pradesh' initiative. Apart from the expansion of RK Beach, a beautification drive will be conducted from The Park Hotel Junction to Bhimunipatnam. Removal of dead trees, replacement of non-functional streetlights, improvements to streetlights, footpaths, road repair work and general maintenance are being done along this corridor.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Trump returns to G7 summit he once loathed as Iran crisis deepens
Instead of speaking to allies about the fighting, Trump discussed the conflict in a Saturday call with the G-7's main adversary, Russian President Vladimir Putin Bloomberg By Josh Wingrove and Sakura Murakami President Donald Trump arrives in Canada as the center of attention for a Group of Seven summit of world leaders whose main purpose will be to mollify him — and one where spiraling conflict in the Middle East offers another test of its unity. Trump was traveling Sunday night to Kananaskis, Alberta, for the first big international summit of his second term. Wary of opening new rifts with the US president, other G7 leaders won't even try for a statement of unity on matters such as Ukraine or climate change. Trump has called for a ceasefire but is helping Israel defend itself, while others such as French President Emmanuel Macron have urged the sides to avoid further escalation. Instead of speaking to allies about the fighting, Trump discussed the conflict in a Saturday call with the G7's main adversary, Russian President Vladimir Putin, a central antagonist in a war with Ukraine that's also frustrated Trump. Macron, speaking to reporters on Sunday, dismissed the notion of Putin mediating the Middle East conflict, saying the Russian leader, given his flouting of international norms, could not 'be in any way a mediator.' More than a dozen leaders from around the world were set to join Trump at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge looking to strike trade deals to stave off a fresh round of US tariffs as early as next month. The meeting's remote location means it will be inaccessible to protesters and give leaders freedom to meet Trump on neutral turf instead of under the glare of the cameras in the Oval Office where he's in control and playing to his domestic audience. Trade deals Leaders from Brazil, South Africa, India, and South Korea will be there seeking to protect their own interests, as will Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy, looking to shore up support for his nation's fight against Russia despite Trump's ambivalence. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum is likely to get her first one-on-one in-person meeting with Trump, while also seeking a fresh US-Mexico-Canada trade deal along with the event's host, Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Canadian leader, meanwhile, will seek to balance standing up to Trump's calls to make Canada the 51st state while avoiding the flareups that turned past summits into displays of rancor and disunity. 'The best case scenario in my mind, coming out of this, is that there's no real blowups,' said Josh Lipsky, chair of international economics at the Atlantic Council think-tank. Trump has long considered such summits tedious, and used them to pick fights with fellow leaders. One of his first, the 2017 G-20 in Hamburg, was marked by widespread protests, with posters plastered around the city calling Trump a clown. An enduring image of his first G7, in Italy, was six leaders walking together while Trump traveled separately in a golf cart. A year later at a G7 meeting also in Canada, Trump made his most indelible mark on the summit circuit. A viral photo showed him sitting defiant, with arms crossed, staring up at then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel, while other leaders stood around her. He then upended the event by pulling out of the joint communique that had been forged in the meeting and firing an angry tweet at then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the Canadian leader's criticisms of Trump's tariff policies. That photo, along with Trump's eruption, casts a 'long shadow' over this year's summit, said Caitlin Welsh, who served as a US summit official during Trump's first term and is now a program director with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. It showed 'that consensus outcomes could not be taken for granted in the G7 or G-20 or other bodies,' Welsh said. Even after that, leaders were never quite sure what to make of Trump. In 2019, a hot mic caught leaders — including Trudeau — at another summit griping about Trump running late. At President Joe Biden's first G7 in 2021, he declared 'America is back,' to which Macron shot back — 'For how long?' Now Trump returns, both to the summit sanctum and to Canada, after a bruising tariff war and his refusal to back down from the 51st state threat. That stoked widespread anger in the country and helped fuel Carney's spring election victory. Trump himself has claimed credit. Playing nice But while earlier summits saw Trump spar with counterparts, this batch of leaders have tended to try to play nice with Trump, soothing his ego and avoiding confrontations. And several, such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Macron and Carney have all had relatively successful — or at least unremarkable — meetings with Trump since his return to office. And there are widespread signs the bloc wants to maintain that approach. Macron is the sole holdover from Trump's first term. While he'll look to maintain pleasant relations with Trump, he visited Greenland on the way to Canada, a nod of support after Trump mused about annexing the Danish territory. Leaders are not preparing a joint communique this time around given that differences are too large on everything from climate change to artificial intelligence to women's empowerment. Instead they are set to issue statements on half a dozen subjects, though Ukraine isn't among them. The US will also push to discuss trade, expanding exports of American energy and AI development, a White House official said Friday in a briefing that made no direct mention of Iran. The leaders are also expected to discuss breaking their dependency on China for critical minerals, according to a German official. Trump has set so-called 'reciprocal' tariffs at 10 per cent for about five dozen countries and the EU, but has made a July 9 deadline to reach deals or see the tariffs rise again. That threat hangs over nearly every leader at the summit. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has touted the progress made so far, as his trade negotiator makes near-weekly visits to the US to negotiate terms, but has also expressed caution about rushing into an agreement. Japan is seeking removal of the levies — and is a test-case of Trump's willingness to negotiate auto tariffs in particular. 'What's important is to achieve an agreement that's beneficial to both Japan and the US,' Ishiba said last week. 'We won't compromise Japan's interests by prioritizing a quick deal.'
