INDIA SUNDAY signed a joint statement on “open society” by the G-7 and guest countries, which affirms and encourages the values of “freedom of expression, both online and offline, as a freedom that protects democracy and helps people to live free from fear. and repression”. The statement also refers to the “politically motivated internet shutdown” as one of the threats to freedom and democracy. The ‘Open Societies Statement’ was adopted at the end of an outreach session titled ‘Building Back Together-Open Societies and Economies’ where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited as the keynote speaker. Participating via video-conference, Modi said that “democracy and freedom were a part of India’s civilizational ethos”. although, He “shared the concern” expressed by several leaders that “open societies are particularly vulnerable to propaganda and cyber attacks”. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi also stressed on the need to ensure that “cyberspace remains an opportunity to advance democratic values and not destroy it”.
The joint statement was signed by the G-7 countries and India, South Korea, Australia and South Africa, host British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called them “Democracy 11”. While the statement is directed at China and Russia, India is under scrutiny for internet restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir, even as the government confronts tech giants like Twitter with its new IT rules, including police searches. has been described in its offices in India last month as a “potential threat to freedom of expression”. The joint statement at the G-7 said: “We are at a critical juncture, with increasing authoritarianism, electoral interference, corruption, economic coercion, manipulation of information, including propaganda, online harm and cyberattacks, for freedom and democracy. Politically motivated. Internet shutdowns, human rights violations and abuses, Terrorism and violent extremism. It is learned that New Delhi signed the statement after the G-7 negotiators were made aware of their objections. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who attended the G-7 foreign ministers’ meeting in May, had said that “open societies and individual liberties require careful nurturing. One must beware of fake news and digital manipulation.”
The statement of “open society” reaffirms the “human rights for all, both online and offline, as stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights instruments, and opposition to discrimination of any kind, So that everyone can participate fully and equally in the society”. It said that democracy includes “the right of every citizen to vote in free and fair elections and the right to peacefully assemble, organize and associate within a system of accountable and transparent governance”. It is “committed to strengthen open societies globally by protecting civil space and media freedom, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and freedom of religion or belief, and by combating all forms of discrimination, including racism.” ” for India, These are important commitments amid global concern over the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed by Parliament in 2019. Another G-7 statement – not signed by India and other outreach countries – hit out at China on “human rights”. Fundamental freedoms in Xinjiang and Hong Kong and a unilateral attempt to change the status quo in the South China Sea. It also called for a transparent and timely WHO COVID origin study in China.
On the second day of the outreach session, Modi also participated in another session titled ‘Building Back Greener: Climate and Nature’. The PMO said that while highlighting the undemocratic and unequal nature of global governance institutions, he called for reform of the multilateral system, which is the best indication of commitment to open societies. In the session on climate change, the Prime Minister highlighted that the planet’s atmosphere, biodiversity and oceans cannot be protected by countries acting in silos, and called for collective action on climate change. Speaking about India’s “unwavering commitment” to climate action, He mentioned the commitment by the Railways to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. He stressed that India is the only G-20 country on track to meet the Paris commitments. Modi also noted the growing effectiveness of two major global initiatives nurtured by India – the CDRI and the International Solar Alliance. The Prime Minister stressed that developing countries need better access to climate finance, and called for a holistic approach to climate change that includes mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer, climate financing, equity, climate justice and lifestyle change. Are included. . and called for a holistic approach to climate change that includes mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer, climate financing, equity, climate justice and lifestyle change. . and called for a holistic approach to climate change that includes mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer, climate financing, equity, climate justice and lifestyle change. .
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