What happened?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary, Canada, on June 16, 2025, to attend the G7 Summit, following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Canada since diplomatic ties were strained in 2023. The G7 Summit, held in Kananaskis on June 16-17, includes leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada, as well as the European Union. India is participating as a guest country for the sixth consecutive year. India’s Acting High Commissioner to Canada, Chinmoy Naik, expressed optimism about the visit and confirmed that PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Carney. The diplomatic tensions between India and Canada arose in September 2023 after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an allegation New Delhi dismissed as “baseless”.
Why it matters to India
PM Modi’s visit to the G7 Summit signifies a crucial step towards a potential diplomatic reset with Canada, an important bilateral partner. India’s consistent participation as a guest country at the G7 for the sixth year highlights its growing importance on the global stage. The bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Carney indicates a positive direction in relations under Canada’s new leadership, which is vital for India’s geopolitical and economic interests. India’s focus on energy security, innovation, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing at the summit aligns with its national development goals and global technological leadership ambitions. This engagement allows India to voice its perspectives on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South, reinforcing its role in international dialogue.