At the recent G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Niagara, Ontario, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing critical global challenges, focusing on energy security, supply of critical minerals, and maritime security. India’s active participation as an invited partner reflects its growing diplomatic engagement and commitment to multilateral forums, particularly in amplifying the voice of the Global South.
In his address during the session on energy security and critical minerals, Jaishankar emphasised the necessity of mitigating dependence on unreliable supply chains and building systemic resilience. He pointed out the unpredictability and market restrictions that characterize the global supply landscape and called for translating policy consultations into concrete actions on the ground. India, he noted, remains open to constructive collaboration with international partners to strengthen predictability and resilience in these vital sectors. His remarks echoed long-standing concerns raised by various G7 partners and allied nations about securing stable access to critical minerals, which are essential for high-tech manufacturing and energy technologies.
This focus aligns with broader moves seen in allied multilateral coalitions such as the Quad, which includes India, the United States, Australia, and Japan, where ministers have announced initiatives aimed at diversifying supply chains and enhancing economic security. The Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, for instance, aims to counterbalance China's growing economic and geopolitical influence by securing supply chains of rare earths and other critical materials. This initiative reflects a strategic endeavour to reduce vulnerability to non-market practices and geopolitical coercion. While not naming China explicitly, the Quad countries have expressed concern about destabilising maritime activities in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the East and South China Seas.
Maritime security was another central theme of Jaishankar’s intervention at the G7 meeting, where he presented India’s 'MAHASAGAR' outlook. This framework highlights India’s approach to maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, its efforts to modernise port infrastructure, and its role as a first responder in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. Jaishankar emphasized the significance of trusted and diversified maritime links and underscored the need for enhanced international collaboration to protect critical maritime and undersea infrastructure. This includes tackling economic crimes such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was also stressed as central to securing maritime order and prosperity.
This stance on maritime security resonates with earlier statements by Quad foreign ministers who decried coercive actions that threaten the status quo in the South China Sea, while signalling resolve against any unilateral attempts to alter territorial arrangements through force. The increasing complexity of maritime threats has prompted cooperative responses such as joint naval exercises, logistics-sharing agreements, and enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect vital undersea cables and supply chains.
The G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting also tackled broader security issues, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as trade and global supply chains. Discussions were reportedly challenging in forming a consensus on responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The participation of countries like India, Brazil, and South Korea under Canada’s presidency showcased a diverse and inclusive diplomatic approach, with India’s MEA stating that Jaishankar’s presence reaffirms India’s commitment to international cooperation and addressing global challenges.
Energy security remains a critical area of focus for G7 partners, reflecting concerns around the volatility of global energy markets and the urgent need to transition to reliable and sustainable energy sources. Countries like Canada are using the platform to secure critical mineral supply agreements essential for the green energy transition and advanced technologies. The overall theme of the meeting suggests a coordinated effort among democracies to strengthen economic and security resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties and competitive pressures.
In summary, India's contributions at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting reflect its strategic intent to deepen cooperation on energy, critical minerals, and maritime security, while reinforcing international law and multilateral partnerships. These efforts align with wider initiatives such as the Quad and reaffirm a collective push towards a stable, rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
📌 Reference Map:
- [1] Asianet Newsable - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- [2] Reuters - Paragraph 5
- [3] AP News - Paragraphs 2, 3
- [4] Reuters - Paragraph 5
- [5] Reuters - Paragraph 4
- [6] MOFA Japan - Paragraph 3
- [7] MOFA Japan - Paragraph 4
Source: Noah Wire Services