President Vladimir Putin has declared Russia is "not interested" in rejoining the Group of Seven (G7) leading developed economies. This statement came during an interview with India Today today, where Putin was asked about the possibility of Russia's return to the group. The issue was also a term in the Ukraine peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump last month.
“No,” Putin said, firmly stating that Moscow is currently "not interested" in the prospect of returning to the G7. He elaborated that the G7's share in the global economy has shrunk over many years. Putin highlighted that India now ranks higher than some G7 members in terms of market purchasing power, underscoring a shift in global economic dynamics.
While acknowledging G7 nations still possess an advantage in advanced technology, the Russian President noted that many of these countries, particularly in Europe, are facing recessionary pressures. He emphasized that Moscow still views the G7 as an important discussion platform, but Russia “has no interest in returning.”
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President Putin attended the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on 5/9. *Reuters*
Russia initially joined the G7 in 1998, forming the G8. Its inclusion was primarily due to its global political influence at the time, rather than its economic strength. However, Russia's membership was suspended in 2014 following its annexation of the Crimea peninsula. This action caused the group to revert to its original G7 format, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the European Union (EU).
Proposals to bring Russia back into the group have faced significant opposition from Europe. Notably, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have publicly voiced their disapproval of such a move.
During a press conference in Kyrgyzstan on 27/11, President Putin reiterated his lack of interest in rejoining the G7. He noted that Russia had never requested admission to the group; instead, its members had actively invited Moscow to cooperate.
“I stopped attending meetings before the developments in Ukraine occurred. When the Ukraine issue began, countries declared they no longer wanted me to attend. That’s fine. But we have never refused contact because they are all important partners,” Putin said.
By Thanh Danh (According to India Today, Business Today, Interfax)
