India: PM's Statement On Departure To G8-Outreach

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India: PM's Statement on eve of departure to Japan for G8-Outreach Summit

I am leaving tomorrow for Japan to attend the Summit Meeting of the G8 and Outreach Countries (Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa) being hosted at Hokkaido Toyako on July 9 by the Japanese G8 Presidency.

Prior to the meeting with the G8 leaders, I will attend a meeting of the G5 group of Outreach countries being hosted by the President of Mexico on July 8.

Over the years, India ’s participation in the G-8/G-5 dialogue process has enabled us to articulate our concerns on a wide range of issues in a forthright manner, on an equal footing. Today, India ’s views are heard with respect, and there is recognition of the fact that solutions to global issues require India ’s involvement.

At the forthcoming Summit I will present India ’s perspectives on a wide range of global issues, including the state of the world economy, development, trade, transfer of technology, energy security and food security. I will, in particular, highlight the impact of the sharp rise in fuel prices on the global economy and the need for joint action by both producing and consuming nations.

I will also participate in the meeting of the Leaders of Major Economies at which the issue of climate change will be discussed.

I will convey to the international community India ’s belief that climate change, energy security and food security are interlinked, and require an integrated approach. The National Action Plan on Climate Change which was released recently underscores our commitment to address the challenge of climate change, and outlines concrete steps to meet this challenge.

At the international level, we will work with others to find solutions within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Bali Road Map, based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. In our view there can be no solution without taking into account the developmental imperatives and aspirations of developing economies. For us, the foremost priority is the removal of poverty, for which we need sustained rapid economic growth.

I will have bilateral meetings with our host - the Prime Minister of Japan, and some of the other leaders present, including those of Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia, USA and the Secretary General of the United Nations.

In addition, I look forward to participating in an informal meeting of the Brazil-Russia-India-China (BRIC) leaders on the sidelines of the G8 Summit.

I thank Prime Minister Fukuda of Japan for inviting India to this important gathering of world leaders.

AD/SH

ENDS

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