Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Canada to participate in the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. This marks his first visit to Canada in ten years and his sixth consecutive appearance at the G7 Summit. He is there at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The summit is scheduled for June 16-17.
The Prime Minister's agenda includes exchanging views with leaders from G7 countries, other invited outreach countries, and heads of international organizations. Discussions will focus on critical global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, with a particular emphasis on the AI-energy nexus and quantum-related issues. PM Modi is also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.
The Ministry of External Affairs has stated the Prime Minister will be engaging in discussions regarding "Protecting our communities around the world,” “Building energy security and accelerating the digital transition” and “securing the partnerships of the future”.
This year's summit holds particular significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the G7. Canada assumed the G7's rotating presidency on January 1, 2025.
PM Modi's visit occurs amidst a complex geopolitical backdrop, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. His presence at the summit is seen as a potential turning point in India-Canada relations, which have experienced turbulence in recent times. The invitation extended by Prime Minister Carney is viewed by many as a sign of the new government's intention to mend ties with India. These relations had reached a low point following allegations related to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The Prime Minister's attendance at the G7 summit comes shortly after India's "Operation Sindoor," a series of precision strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan. This operation was a response to the terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of many, primarily tourists.
Other leaders expected to attend the summit include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
