Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming trip to Canada for the G7 Summit marks his first foreign engagement since the successful, yet sensitive, Operation Sindoor. This visit is particularly significant as it presents an opportunity to reset relations with Canada following a period of diplomatic strain, and potentially engage with U.S. President Donald Trump amidst evolving global trade dynamics.
Modi's attendance at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, scheduled for June 16-17, comes at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This marks Modi's sixth consecutive participation in the summit, underscoring India's growing strategic and economic importance on the world stage. Discussions at the summit are expected to revolve around critical global issues such as energy security, technology, innovation, with a specific focus on the AI-energy nexus and quantum-related technologies.
The backdrop to this visit is the recent turbulence in India-Canada relations. Ties between the two nations took a hit in 2023 after allegations surfaced, implicating Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. These allegations, made by the then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, were vehemently rejected by India, leading to diplomatic expulsions and a freeze in trade talks. However, with the change in Canadian leadership and Mark Carney assuming the role of Prime Minister in March 2025, there is renewed hope for a reset in bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Carney has expressed a commitment to rebuilding ties with India, recognizing its importance as a global player and a key partner in diversifying trade and investment. The meeting between Modi and Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit is viewed as a crucial step in this direction. Both leaders are expected to discuss bilateral and global issues of mutual interest, with a focus on fostering a relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests, and sensitivity to each other's concerns. The Ministry of External Affairs has also described the upcoming meeting as an opportunity to "reset" relations.
Beyond the Canada-specific agenda, Prime Minister Modi's visit could also feature a crucial engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump. With the potential resumption of punishing tariffs by Washington looming on July 9, Modi is expected to push for a trade deal with the United States, India's largest trading partner. Given Trump's inclination to "weaponize" tariffs, both India and Canada have shared incentives to cooperate on trade matters.
The timing of this trip, following Operation Sindoor, adds another layer of significance. Operation Sindoor, a military operation conducted by India in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, has reshaped the security dynamics in the region. While the details of Operation Sindoor remain sensitive, it is understood to have involved precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure across the border. This operation sent a strong message about India's resolve to combat terrorism and protect its interests.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi's visit to Canada for the G7 Summit is a multifaceted engagement with significant implications for India's foreign policy. It presents an opportunity to mend strained relations with Canada, engage with key global leaders on pressing issues, and potentially advance trade negotiations with the United States. The visit underscores India's commitment to multilateralism, its growing global influence, and its determination to safeguard its national interests in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
