International gatherings of world leaders often fail to grapple with global challenges in a substantial way amid all the pomp and protocol. However, the 3000-word-long G7 Hiroshima Leaders’ Communique issued by the world’s most powerful democracies lays down some important markers against the authoritarian challenge of Russia and China to the rules-based international order.

First, the heads of government of the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK have pledged to “support Ukraine for as long as it takes in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression”. The Group of Seven’s commitment to staying the course in defence of Ukrainian democracy and sovereignty was underlined by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s invitation to attend the Hiroshima summit.