Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, marks his sixth consecutive appearance at this global forum. Invited as an outreach guest by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Modi's presence underscores India's growing importance on the world stage. His agenda is packed with discussions on pressing global issues and bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening ties with key nations. A central theme of Modi's engagement will be to advocate for the priorities of the Global South, ensuring that the concerns and needs of developing nations are heard and addressed.
The G7 Summit, an informal grouping of the world's advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union, serves as a platform for leaders to discuss and coordinate on critical global challenges. This year's summit focuses on "Protecting our communities around the world”, “Building energy security and accelerating the digital transition” and “Securing the partnerships of the future”. Canada, as the host nation holding the G7 presidency, has engaged with various domestic and international stakeholders to develop an agenda that resonates with global needs.
Modi's emphasis on the Global South is particularly significant. India has increasingly positioned itself as a champion for developing nations, advocating for their concerns on international platforms. This commitment was evident in India's hosting of the Voice of Global South Summit prior to the 2023 G20 meeting, where it successfully pushed for the inclusion of the African Union as a full G20 member. India's approach to multilateral engagement is rooted in mutual respect and solidarity, and the "India way" is seen as crucial for the Global South in shaping the future.
Key issues that Modi is expected to raise include energy security, technology and innovation, and the AI-energy nexus, and quantum-related issues. These are areas where India has made significant strides and can offer valuable insights and solutions. India's focus on energy security aligns with the G7's broader agenda of diversifying energy sources and ensuring access and affordability in a changing world. Similarly, India's advancements in technology and innovation, particularly in AI and quantum computing, position it as a key partner in driving economic growth and addressing global challenges.
Beyond the core summit agenda, Modi is also engaging in several bilateral meetings with leaders from other countries. A particularly noteworthy meeting is with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, seen as an opportunity to reset bilateral ties after recent tensions. Discussions are expected to cover India's concerns about the activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada and Canada's interest in cracking down on transnational criminal gangs. Modi's meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will be their first, with discussions expected on trade, investment, technology, and Germany's role in driving the green transition in India. He also met with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, discussing avenues to deepen cooperation in trade, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, digital innovation, and shared perspectives on key global and regional issues, including priorities of the Global South. These meetings underscore India's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and addressing shared challenges through collaborative efforts.
The G7 Summit provides a crucial platform for India to advocate for the priorities of the Global South, address key global issues, and strengthen bilateral ties with partner countries. India's growing economic and geopolitical influence makes it a vital player in shaping the global agenda, and Modi's participation in the summit reaffirms India's commitment to fostering cooperation and addressing shared challenges on the world stage.
