When world leaders gather for the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada this June, there’s going to be a lot more happening than just the usual political small talk. One major reason? Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance. It’s not just another overseas trip—it’s a strategic and symbolic move that could shape the future of India-Canada relations and India’s role in the global order.
Let’s break down why this trip is a huge deal and why the world will be watching every handshake, photo-op, and speech.
What’s the Buzz About the G7 Summit 2025?
If you’re wondering why everyone’s talking about the G7 Summit 2025, here’s the lowdown. The G7, or Group of Seven, is a club of the world’s most advanced economies. This year, Canada holds the presidency, meaning it sets the agenda and hosts the meeting.
The G7 countries—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US—usually focus on economic growth, climate change, global security, and now, more than ever, supply chain resilience. India’s presence at this high-profile event isn’t routine—it’s a diplomatic statement.
First Face-to-Face Between PM Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney
This will be PM Modi’s first meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office earlier this year. Carney has openly recognized India as an “incredibly important” partner. Given the recent frosty relations, this face-to-face interaction has the potential to reset the tone between the two countries.
Carney didn’t shy away from the elephant in the room—he acknowledged past tensions but stressed the importance of building a dialogue based on mutual respect. And let’s be real: You can’t ignore India when you’re discussing global economic stability or climate goals.
India-Canada Relations Hit Rock Bottom in 2023
Let’s rewind a bit. Last year, under then-Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, things took a nosedive. Trudeau accused India of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistani activist in British Columbia. That statement led to a diplomatic storm—both countries expelled each other’s diplomats and the relationship hit historic lows.
Now, with Carney in power and Modi attending the G7, we might just be looking at a fresh start.
Why This G7 Visit Matters More Than Usual
It’s not every day you see a leader show up at a major summit after such public diplomatic fallout. Modi’s willingness to attend signals something significant: India is not retreating from global forums, even when relationships are rocky. In fact, it’s doubling down.
The message is clear—India wants a seat at the table where big decisions are made, and it’s ready to engage even when things are uncomfortable.
Modi’s First Foreign Visit After Operation Sindoor
Here’s another twist. This trip is PM Modi’s first international engagement since Operation Sindoor—a swift military action launched in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam last month. That led to a brief, tense standoff with Pakistan.
So, why does this matter?
Because attending the G7 Summit right after a military operation shows India’s ability to manage regional issues without losing sight of its global responsibilities. It’s like saying, “We can handle our neighborhood and still show up for the big leagues.”
The G7 Wants India at the Table – Here’s Why
Canadian PM Carney was crystal clear when he extended the invite. He said:
“India is the fifth largest economy in the world, the most populous country, and central to global supply chains.”
Translation? You can’t have a meaningful conversation about global issues without India in the room. Whether it’s climate change, cybersecurity, or trade, India’s role is now too big to ignore.
Pushback from Pro-Khalistani Groups: A Controversial Invite
Not everyone’s thrilled about Modi’s visit. Groups like the World Sikh Organization of Canada have protested, pointing to unresolved questions around the Nijjar killing. They believe India should be held accountable before being welcomed at such summits.
But Carney defended his decision, emphasizing India’s global role and the need for inclusive dialogue.
What Could Come Out of This Meeting?
While we probably won’t see any dramatic policy announcements or trade deals during this trip, symbolism matters. A handshake between Modi and Carney, a warm exchange in front of cameras—these can change public perceptions and open doors for real negotiations down the road.
Plus, the G7 platform gives India a chance to voice its priorities—supply chain reforms, energy security, and climate action—directly to the world’s top economies.
India’s Growing Clout in Global Politics
Let’s not forget: India isn’t just attending. It’s playing a bigger role every year in shaping the future of global governance. From hosting the G20 summit in 2023 to now participating in the G7 Summit 2025, New Delhi is making its presence felt.
For a country that was once considered a ‘developing nation on the sidelines,’ India has become a central player in conversations about everything from tech to trade.
What to Watch for During Modi’s G7 Visit
Here’s what analysts and media will be watching closely:
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Body language between Modi and Carney (seriously, every handshake will be analyzed!)
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Whether Khalistani protests cause any disruptions
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Joint press statements or symbolic gestures of cooperation
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India’s position on pressing global issues like Ukraine, climate goals, and global inflation
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Conclusion
To sum it up—PM Modi’s visit to the G7 in Canada is about much more than just attending another summit. It’s a high-stakes game of diplomacy, optics, and soft power. From easing tensions with Canada to reinforcing India’s global ambitions, this trip checks several important boxes.
Modi’s presence at the G7 Summit 2025 could be the beginning of a cautious reset in India-Canada ties—and a bold signal that India isn’t backing down from the global stage, no matter the challenges.
