The 42nd G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting took place in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, on 11-12 November 2025. Under Canada’s presidency, G7 ministers convened twice this year, using the platform to coordinate positions on Ukraine, the Middle East, Indo-Pacific security, and a cluster of crises stretching from Haiti and Sudan to Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Seven G7 members and eight invited countries, including India (represented by EAM Dr S. Jaishankar), attended the meeting.
What is the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and why is it important?
The G7 (Group of Seven) is an informal forum of industrialised democracies that convenes annually, twice since 2021, to discuss issues ranging from macroeconomic coordination and security to global economic governance and, more recently, artificial intelligence (AI).
Russia was a member between 1998 and 2014, until it was suspended following the annexation of Crimea.
The G7’s core members are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. While the European Union generally participates as a guest, Canada, as host, invited Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Ukraine, and Australia to this year’s meeting.
The G7 presidency rotates annually among the member countries.
What was on the agenda in Niagara?
- Russia’s war in Ukraine
The G7 countries reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine. They stressed that Ukraine must be able to defend its territorial integrity and enjoy freedom, sovereignty, independence, and the basic right to exist without external aggression. The ministers agreed that a quick ceasefire was urgently needed and that negotiations should begin through existing channels. They also agreed to increase economic pressure on Russia and investigate any country or organisation assisting its war financing.
- Middle East stability and the Gaza conflict
The meeting focused heavily on the humanitarian fallout of the Gaza conflict. With the Saudi Foreign Minister and other invited partners present, discussions centred on stabilisation, aid delivery, and long-term reconstruction. The U.S. government’s newly announced 20-point plan for Gaza served as a major reference point.
- Indo-Pacific security and China
The G7 reiterated its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific grounded in international law. In regions such as the East China Sea and South China Sea, ministers strongly opposed any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo, particularly through conflict or force. The meeting addressed concerns about China’s expanding military and nuclear program, and urged Beijing to adopt more predictable and stabilising behaviour.
- Regional crises in the Global South
Beyond great-power issues, ministers discussed deteriorating situations in Haiti, Sudan, and Venezuela. In Haiti, the focus was on support for the newly authorised UN mission. On Sudan, discussions explored ways to strengthen collective action and mediation amid the deepening humanitarian crisis.
- Maritime security and hybrid threats
The G7 flagged the increasing vulnerability of global undersea cables, energy infrastructure, and shipping lanes. Concerns ranged from China’s export restrictions on rare earth minerals to Russia’s “shadow fleet” circumventing sanctions and the growing hybrid threats to underwater infrastructure. With nearly 80% of global trade moving by sea, ministers emphasised closer cooperation with invited partners—especially India, Brazil, South Korea and South Africa—to secure supply chains and protect maritime infrastructure.
What are the implications for global governance?
- A more inclusive diplomatic aperture
The G7 is moving toward more inclusive diplomacy, as evidenced by Canada’s decision to invite important Global South allies. The group acknowledges that it cannot address problems like supply-chain concerns, underwater infrastructure hazards, or the competition for vital minerals on its own. Broader coalitions enhance both legitimacy and effectiveness.
- Projecting unity amid great power rivalry
Despite internal political differences, the G7 presented a united front on core issues. Together, they reaffirmed their complete support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and emphasised the significance of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. Such unity increases the credibility of cooperative measures like international standards, security cooperation, and sanctions.
- Improving governance priorities
During Canada’s presidency, topics like critical minerals, digital rules, economic resilience, and maritime security came into sharper focus. This illustrates how a rotating G7 presidency can redirect focus while preserving long-term strategic goals.
- Laying stronger foundations for future global governance
The Niagara meeting established a strong foundation for the next G7 meeting in France. However, key challenges—including new climate commitments and global trade reforms—remain unaddressed, even though the Niagara summit set a solid path. While the Niagara summit charted a promising path, the G7 remains an agenda-setting body that fosters consensus and then relies on subsequent presidencies, working groups, and international forums to carry out its objectives.
What was India’s role at the Niagara meeting?
India’s participation reflected the G7’s expanding engagement with key Global South partners. EAM Jaishankar joined discussions on Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific, outlining India’s view that global crises require multiple, overlapping coalitions rather than exclusive blocs.
New Delhi’s presence was especially relevant in conversations on maritime security, critical minerals, and in other areas where India is seen as a pivotal actor in diversifying supply chains away from China.
India urged the platform to highlight concerns about humanitarian risks in Gaza, the need for reform in global financial institutions, and the importance of inclusive technology governance.
What lies ahead for the G7?
The Niagra meeting reinforced the G7’s relevance as a platform for coordinated diplomacy at a time of diffused global power. By widening its outreach to the Global South and addressing new hybrid threats, the groupings displayed their intention to seek strategic coherence amid global fragmentation.
However, the real test of unity displayed at Niagara will unfold in the near future. Domestic politics, from US debates on Ukraine aid to European economic pressures, will shape how firmly governments can act on the commitments made in Niagara. The G7 remains united on core principles, but its ability to translate that unity into sustained policy will ultimately define its influence in the years ahead.