What happened: The Indian delegation at the G7 conference in the UK is self isolating, after it was revealed that two members of the delegation had tested positive. The meeting was titled as ‘COVID secure talks’ before the full G7 summit takes place in the UK next month.
Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 5, 2021
India at G7: Even though India is not part of the G7, it was among few other countries that were invited to the group’s first in-person meeting in over two years. PM Boris Johnson said that they have a very important relation with India.
The UK has been a solid friend. We’re getting oxygen plants, oxygen concentrators, cylinders to address the oxygen challenge, cryogenic tanks, and the vaccine collaboration: EAM @DrSJaishankar pic.twitter.com/xGnmzKitiX
— DD India (@DDIndialive) May 5, 2021
Exposure: Although the Indian delegation was yet to attend any of the G7 meetings, they were due to today. They will now participate in these meetings virtually.
Furthermore, they did have some other meetings before this. This included one with Home Secretary Priti Patel and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. As the foreign minister has not tested positive, it is understood that Priti Patel will not be self isolating. Furthermore, all social distancing measures were followed along with strict mask wearing, so the need for the entire delegation’s contacts to self isolate has been dismissed.
A pleasure to welcome @DrSJaishankar to the @UKHomeOffice today as we signed the landmark Migration & Mobility deal as part of our New Plan for Immigration, providing new opportunities for our young people to live and work here and in India as we recover from the pandemic.
— Priti Patel MP (@pritipatel) May 4, 2021
The G7 meeting: The G7 meeting at the Lancaster House showed diplomacy in the COVID-19 age, with diplomats following strict social distancing measures, separated by plastic sheets.
Together, the @G7 members will work to define and enact a shared democratic vision. We respect the freedom of all people to express their political will and meaningfully participate in determining the direction of their country. pic.twitter.com/oeLK6qfshG
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 4, 2021