Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kananaskis, Canada, on Tuesday to attend the 51st G7 Summit, marking his first visit to Canada in a decade. This significant stop comes after his arrival from Cyprus, as part of a three-nation diplomatic tour. Notably, Modi’s presence at the high-profile G7 platform follows the much-lauded Operation Sindoor, reinforcing India’s rising stature on the global stage.
The invitation extended to Modi by newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is being seen as a diplomatic setback for India’s detractors, including Pakistan and pro-Khalistani groups. At a time when ties between India and Canada are cautiously being rebuilt following tensions over the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, this gesture signals a willingness to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests.
“As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigor, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the summit,” the Prime Minister said in a statement before his departure. This is also Modi’s first official meeting with Prime Minister Carney, who took charge after the exit of Justin Trudeau, a development New Delhi welcomed with hopes for a new chapter in bilateral ties.
Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South. pic.twitter.com/GJegQPilXe
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2025
Modi’s Seat at the Table Reflects Global Confidence in India’s Leadership
Despite not being a G7 member, India’s consistent presence at the Summit since 2019 underscores the trust that leading global economies place in New Delhi’s voice. Prime Minister Modi has now participated in six consecutive G7 Summits, France (2019), US (2020, though cancelled), UK (2021, virtually), Germany (2022), Japan (2023), and now Canada (2025).
The fact that India continues to be invited while China, the world’s second-largest economy and an aggressor, is excluded, speaks volumes about the confidence the global community places in India as a responsible and democratic power. The G7, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, along with the EU, sees India as indispensable to shaping global discourse on issues ranging from energy security and climate action to innovation and supply chain resilience.
Canadian PM Mark Carney acknowledged this in his remarks, saying, “India is the fifth-largest economy in the world, the most populous country in the world and central to supply chains.” Stressing India’s indispensable role, he added, “It is hard to have discussions on global challenges like AI and climate change without India.”
Canadian PM Mark Carney explains the G7 agenda for developing partnerships in the developing world would have been a non-starter without India
Also declines to say anything on the Nijjar murder pic.twitter.com/1Jk3FMsqqC
— Journalist V (@OnTheNewsBeat) June 6, 2025
This growing recognition is a testimony to Modi’s leadership, especially in projecting India as a voice for the Global South. The G7 outreach increasingly aims to bridge representation gaps, and India’s presence ensures that the concerns of developing nations, particularly regarding food security, energy access, and climate justice, are not ignored.
India-Canada Ties on the Mend: Modi-Carney Meeting a Diplomatic Reset
The G7 Summit in Kananaskis is more than a multilateral engagement, it’s an opportunity for a significant bilateral reset between India and Canada. Ties between the two countries soured in 2023 after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an allegation India rejected as baseless and politically motivated.
Diplomatic relations plunged to a historic low with tit-for-tat expulsions and strained communications. However, the arrival of Mark Carney in office opened new doors for engagement. Over the past months, both sides have resumed security dialogues, and efforts are underway to appoint new high commissioners.
BREAKING: Pro-India Crowd Gathers in Calgary as Indian PM Modi Lands for G7
“This has been a very mature decision,” said one supporter, referring to the Canadian PM’s invitation to Modi for the G7 despite fierce protests from the Khalistani lobby.
“Canada has a lot to offer —… pic.twitter.com/ecdlytdoz4
— Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) June 17, 2025
Modi and Carney’s upcoming meeting on the Summit’s sidelines is seen by New Delhi as a vital chance to restore ties on the foundation of mutual respect and sensitivity to each other’s core concerns. The joint focus is now on cooperation, not confrontation.
Trade relations between the two nations remain strong despite political turbulence. India was Canada’s 10th largest trading partner in 2024, with bilateral goods trade reaching $9.8 billion, up from $6.9 billion in 2022. India exported $5.9 billion worth of goods and imported $3.9 billion from Canada last year, signalling economic interdependence even during diplomatic strain.
A Respected Global Power: India’s Growing Role in Shaping the World Order
India’s participation in the G7 also illustrates its emerging role as a major global power, particularly for the Global South. Modi’s presence brings a much-needed perspective from the developing world to a forum traditionally dominated by Western powers. As External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted, “There are very strong feelings in the Global South about the inequities of the international order, the desire to change it, and we are very much part of that.”
India’s growing weight in shaping global conversations stems from its economic strength, strategic capabilities, and leadership on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and public health. It is now seen as a partner that can contribute to balanced and inclusive global policies, not just a participant, but a stakeholder.
As the Kananaskis G7 Summit unfolds, Modi’s presence, following Operation Sindoor and amid attempts to isolate India diplomatically is a powerful message: India is not only welcome at the global high table but is also a respected voice, actively shaping the world’s future.
