India may join G7 s infra push to counter China s influence

India on Sunday indicated it could consider joining the so-called Build Back Better World (B3W) plan of the G7_ described by the US as an affirmative initiative for meeting the tremendous infrastructure needs of low- and middle-income countries.

The announcement of the proposal followed US President Joe Biden s discussions with G7 leaders on strategic competition with China and is aimed at countering Beijing s growing influence in these countries.

The government said it would study the proposal. MEA additional secretary P Harish has said_  I can confirm relevant agencies of the government will study the specifics of the proposal as appropriate at a later stage_

 The PM has emphasised that democracies should demonstrate that in project implementation sphere_ we can deliver not only within the country but in other countries also. The PM referred to India s experience in neighbouring countries_ African countries and in development framework partnership_ the official said.

The initiative_ which is expected to rival China s BRI_ will help narrow a $40 trillion infrastructure gap in the developing world_ according to the US.

 Through B3W_ the G7 and other partners with coordinate in mobilising private sector capital in four areas of focus  climate_ health and health security_ digital technology_ and gender equity and equality  with catalytic investments from our respective development finance institutions_ the White House had said earlier.