Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the G7 Summit in Canada, scheduled to take place in Kananaskis on June 16–17, at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This visit, while being part of regular diplomatic engagement, holds heightened significance due to the strained India-Canada relations that have persisted since 2023.

In a statement before departure, PM Modi said,

“The Summit will provide space for the exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South. I also look forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries.”

This will also mark PM Modi’s first official visit to Canada since the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which led to a major diplomatic fallout between New Delhi and Ottawa under the previous government led by Justin Trudeau.

What is the G7 and Why It Matters

The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal alliance of advanced democracies which meets annually to discuss economic policy, global governance, climate change, and other transnational challenges.

The members of the G7 include:

• Canada

• France

• Germany

• Italy

• Japan

• United Kingdom

• United States

Formed after the 1973 oil crisis, the first G7 summit took place in 1975. It was initially called G6 before Canada joined a year later. Russia became part of the group in 1998, making it the G8, but was expelled in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea. Since then, the group has continued as the G7.

According to Al Jazeera, G7 economies contribute around 44% of global GDP, despite comprising only 10% of the world’s population.

This year marks the 51st G7 Summit.

India's Role Despite Non-Membership

Although India is not a member of the G7, it has been a regular invitee. India’s first G7 appearance came in 2003, when PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee attended as a special guest in France. Dr Manmohan Singh also participated regularly between 2005 and 2009.

PM Modi has attended every G7 Summit since 2019, reflecting India's growing global stature.

The reason for these repeated invitations lies in India’s increasing influence in areas such as:

• Critical mineral supply chains

• Digital transformation

• Clean energy transitions

• Geopolitical stability in the Indo-Pacific

India is also recognised as a key voice for the Global South, often raising concerns on climate justice, food and energy security, pandemic resilience, and inclusive global governance.

G7 Seeks India's Perspective

For Canada and other host nations, inviting India adds credibility and balance to the summit dialogue. India’s views are often sought on:

• Developmental financing

• Sustainable growth frameworks

• Technological partnerships

• Global trade reforms

According to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar,

“India has the ability to work with different countries in a way without making any relationship exclusive. To the extent that serves as a bridge, it's frankly a help that we do to international diplomacy at a time when mostly what you see are difficult relationships and excessive tensions.”

Diplomatic Backdrop with Canada

PM Modi’s visit is under intense global watch because it is his first bilateral engagement with Canadian leadership since tensions peaked in 2023.

That year, then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made explosive allegations linking Indian agents to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistani separatist, in British Columbia. India strongly denied the accusations, calling them unsubstantiated and politically motivated.

The allegations led to a diplomatic standoff:

• Both countries expelled senior diplomats

• Visa processing was halted temporarily

• Bilateral ties, including economic and trade discussions, were paused

Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney, who succeeded Trudeau earlier this year, has been more measured and conciliatory in tone. The G7 meeting is expected to provide a thawing opportunity, although no formal bilateral meeting has been officially confirmed.

India’s Strategic Balance: BRICS vs G7

India’s participation at G7 comes even as it plays a leading role in BRICS — a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now expanded to include several more emerging economies.

BRICS is increasingly viewed as a counterweight to G7, especially on:

• Global financial reform

• South-South cooperation

• Alternative development banks

• De-dollarisation efforts

India's position in both groupings — G7 and BRICS — gives it a unique diplomatic edge, allowing it to bridge narratives between developed and developing nations.

Looking Ahead

While PM Modi’s participation at the 2025 G7 Summit in Kananaskis reinforces India's global engagement, it also has symbolic importance in terms of resetting ties with Canada.

Observers will keenly watch for:

• Any sideline interactions between Modi and Carney

• Discussions that may touch upon Indo-Pacific security

• Future directions for climate and energy cooperation

• Whether any formal statement is made on the India-Canada diplomatic freeze

Even as India charts its path among major power blocs, its presence at the G7 underlines its indispensable role in global decision-making—even without formal membership.

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