PM to raise climate change, energy security issues at G-8 meet

New Delhi, July 7 (PTI) India Sunday said it will
convey to the international community at the G-8 summit its
belief that climate change, energy security and food security
are interlinked, and require an integrated approach.

In a statement on the eve of his departure for Japan,
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that at the forthcoming
summit, he would present India's perspectives on a wide range
of global issues.

They included 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," he
said.

Singh said prior to the meeting with the G-8 leaders,
he will attend a meeting of the O-5 group of outreach
countries being hosted by the President of Mexico on July 8.

Over the years, India's participation in the G-8/O-5
dialogue process has enabled it to articulate its concerns on
a wide range of issues in a forthright manner, on an equal
footing, he said.

"Today, India's views are heard with respect, and
there is recognition of the fact that solutions to global
issues require India's involvement," the Prime Minister said.

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

In India's view, he said, "There can be no solution
(to the issue of climate change) 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."

He said he will have bilateral meetings with the Prime
Minister of Japan, and some of the other leaders present,
including those of Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia,
Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia, U.S.A. and the Secretary
General of the United Nations.

He was also looking forward to participating in an
informal meeting of the Brazil-Russia-India-China (B.R.I.C.)
leaders on the sidelines of the G-8 Summit beginning Monday.
PTI