New Delhi: The 51st G7 Summit, held in the scenic Kananaskis region of Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17, 2025, brought together leaders from the world’s advanced economies to address pressing global challenges. Hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the summit saw participation from France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the European Union, with India invited as an Outreach Country for the sixth consecutive year. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance underscored India’s growing global influence, as he emphasized the need for collective action against terrorism and highlighted the priorities of the Global South.
Summit Overview and India’s Role
The G7, formed in 1973 to coordinate global policies during the energy crisis, remains a pivotal forum for addressing economic and geopolitical issues. The 2025 summit, held against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, was marked by intense discussions on critical global issues, including terrorism, trade, and energy security. India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, played a prominent role, with Prime Minister Modi engaging in bilateral meetings with leaders from Canada, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, France, the UK, Italy, South Africa, and Australia.
In his address at the G7 Outreach Session on June 17, Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, urging G7 leaders to take decisive action against those who “promote and support” it. He posed critical questions to the international community: “Will countries understand the grave threat posed by terrorism only when they become a target? How can perpetrators of terror and its victims be equated? Will global institutions be mute spectators to terrorism?” His remarks resonated amid heightened global tensions, particularly following India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attacks targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Modi also emphasized the priorities of the Global South, advocating for their concerns to be addressed in global forums. “India, as the largest democratic country and former G20 chair, has laid a strong foundation for global good,” he said, expressing his commitment to advancing these initiatives at the G7.
Key Summit Outcomes
The 2025 G7 Summit produced several significant outcomes, reflecting the group’s commitment to addressing global challenges:
- Kananaskis Wildfire Charter: Aligned with the 2021 Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use, this charter commits to halting and reversing deforestation and land degradation by 2030. India endorsed the charter, reinforcing its environmental commitments.
- G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan: Building on Japan’s 2023 G7 Presidency, this plan aims to secure critical mineral supply chains. India also supported this initiative, recognizing its importance for sustainable development.
- Strengthening the RISE Partnership: The G7 committed to bolstering the World Bank-led Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement (RISE) Partnership to enhance global supply chain resilience.
- Condemnation of Transnational Repression (TNR): The G7 denounced TNR, an aggressive form of foreign interference where states intimidate or coerce individuals beyond their borders.
- Action Against Migrant Smuggling: The G7 Coalition to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants, along with the 2024 G7 Action Plan, was highlighted as a key initiative to address this global issue.
- G7 GovAI Grand Challenge: Launched by Canada, this initiative includes “Rapid Solution Labs” to design scalable AI solutions for public sector challenges, aligning with the United Nations Global Digital Compact to bridge digital divides.
Despite these achievements, the summit faced challenges in reaching ambitious joint agreements, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s early departure on June 16 due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
Geopolitical Tensions and Trump’s Early Exit
The summit was overshadowed by rising geopolitical tensions, notably the Israel-Iran conflict, which intensified following Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites starting June 13. Trump, who arrived in Kananaskis on June 15, left a day early to address the crisis, warning on Truth Social that Tehran’s 10 million residents should “immediately evacuate.” His departure disrupted plans for a strong G7 statement on Ukraine, with a Canadian official noting U.S. resistance to condemning Russia outright, citing a desire to preserve negotiation leverage.
Trump’s exit effectively turned the summit into a “G6,” with the remaining leaders—joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte—discussing Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy, arriving after a deadly Russian attack on Kyiv that killed 18 people, described diplomacy as being “in a state of crisis” and urged G7 leaders to pressure Trump to influence Russia for peace talks. Canada pledged C$2 billion ($1.47 billion) in military aid for Ukraine, including drones and helicopters, while the UK announced new sanctions against Russia.
Trump’s remarks at the summit also stirred controversy, as he suggested reintegrating Russia into the G7, calling its 2014 exclusion a “big mistake.” He even proposed expanding the group to a G9 by including China, despite the G7’s democratic composition. The Kremlin echoed Trump’s sentiment, claiming the G7 had lost relevance.
India-Canada Relations: A New Chapter
A significant highlight was the strengthening of India-Canada relations, strained since 2023 over Canada’s allegations of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Prime Minister Modi met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on June 17, describing the bilateral relationship as “extremely important.” The leaders agreed to designate new High Commissioners for the first time since 2023, signaling a return to regular diplomatic services. Modi emphasized collaboration in trade, investment, and democratic values, stating, “India and Canada will have to strengthen democracy together, will have to strengthen humanity.”
Carney defended inviting Modi, citing India’s economic dynamism and global leadership. “Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the G7 is a reflection of the size and dynamism of the Indian economy,” he said at a press conference, noting Modi’s consistent participation since 2018. Despite criticism from Sikh organizations in Canada, Carney highlighted progress in law enforcement dialogue and accountability.
Bilateral Engagements
Modi’s bilateral meetings were a cornerstone of his G7 participation. On June 17, he met:
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: In their first meeting since Merz assumed office in May 2025, Modi thanked Germany for its solidarity in India’s fight against terrorism, particularly following the Ahmedabad plane crash. The leaders discussed deepening cooperation in trade, defense, green energy, and technology.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum: Modi congratulated Sheinbaum on her historic election as Mexico’s first female president in two centuries. They explored avenues for collaboration in agriculture, semiconductors, critical minerals, and healthcare, aiming to enhance India-Mexico ties.
- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung: The leaders reaffirmed their Special Strategic Partnership, focusing on trade, green hydrogen, shipbuilding, and cultural exchanges.
- French President Emmanuel Macron: Their warm interaction, marked by a hug, reflected strong Indo-French ties. Macron denounced Russia’s attack on Kyiv, accusing President Vladimir Putin of “complete cynicism.”
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: These meetings underscored India’s expanding global partnerships.
Middle East Crisis and Trade Concerns
The Israel-Iran conflict dominated discussions, with G7 leaders expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself while labeling Iran a “source of regional instability.” French President Macron warned that regime change in Iran would lead to “chaos” and urged Trump to restart diplomacy. Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the G7 of siding with Israel, rejecting calls for de-escalation.
Trade tensions also surfaced, with Trump’s tariffs sparking concerns about global economic stability. G7 leaders urged Trump to ease his trade war, warning that it could strengthen China. The UK secured a trade deal with the US in May, reducing tariffs, while the EU and Japan sought similar agreements before the July 9 deadline.
Global South and Development
Modi’s advocacy for the Global South resonated with leaders like Mexico’s Sheinbaum and South Africa’s Ramaphosa. However, the U.S.’s decision to de-prioritize global development, including cuts to USAID, posed challenges to the G7’s traditional focus on supporting African nations.
Social Media Moments
The summit wasn’t without lighter moments. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s eye-roll at Macron during a whispered exchange went viral, sparking an internet frenzy. Trump also took a swipe at Macron, accusing him of “showboating” over comments about his early departure.
Looking Ahead: G7 2026 in France
French President Macron announced that the 2026 G7 Summit will be held in Evian-les-Bains, France, a town that hosted the summit in 2003. The G7’s continued relevance will depend on its ability to navigate complex global challenges, from conflicts to trade disputes.
Modi’s Next Stop: Croatia
After a “productive” visit to Canada, Modi departed for Croatia on June 18, concluding his three-nation tour that began in Cyprus. “Thankful to the Canadian people and Government for hosting a successful G7 Summit,” he posted on X, reaffirming India’s commitment to global peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
Conclusion
The 51st G7 Summit highlighted India’s rising global stature, with Prime Minister Modi’s call for action against terrorism and advocacy for the Global South resonating strongly. Despite challenges posed by Trump’s early exit and geopolitical tensions, the summit achieved key outcomes in environmental protection, critical minerals, and AI innovation. As the world grapples with conflicts and trade disputes, the G7 remains a critical platform for fostering global cooperation, with India playing an increasingly pivotal role.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the significance of India’s participation in the 2025 G7 Summit?
India, as the world’s fifth-largest economy, participated as an Outreach Country for the sixth consecutive year at the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the priorities of the Global South and urged global action against terrorism, highlighting India’s growing influence in addressing global challenges like energy security, technology, and counter-terrorism. His bilateral meetings with leaders from Canada, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, and others underscored India’s commitment to fostering international cooperation.
2. What were the key outcomes of the G7 Summit 2025?
The summit produced several key outcomes, including the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter to combat deforestation by 2030, the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan to secure supply chains, and commitments to strengthen the World Bank-led RISE Partnership. The G7 also condemned transnational repression, launched initiatives to counter migrant smuggling, and introduced the G7 GovAI Grand Challenge to promote AI adoption in the public sector. However, a strong joint statement on Ukraine was abandoned due to U.S. resistance.
3. Why did U.S. President Donald Trump leave the G7 Summit early?
U.S. President Donald Trump departed the G7 Summit a day early on June 16, 2025, due to escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran conflict, which intensified after Israel’s airstrikes on Iran starting June 13. Trump’s early exit disrupted plans for a unified G7 statement on Ukraine and drew criticism from leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, who accused Trump of undermining diplomacy. Trump denied that his departure was related to an Israel-Iran ceasefire, emphasizing broader priorities.
4. How did the Israel-Iran conflict impact the G7 Summit discussions?
The Israel-Iran conflict, marked by Israel’s aerial bombardment of Iranian sites, dominated the 2025 G7 Summit discussions. The G7 expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense while labeling Iran a source of regional instability. Leaders called for de-escalation, but Trump’s early departure and his warning for Tehran’s residents to evacuate heightened tensions. French President Macron warned that regime change in Iran could lead to “chaos,” urging renewed diplomacy.
5. What steps were taken to strengthen India-Canada relations during the summit?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a bilateral meeting on June 17, 2025, describing India-Canada relations as “extremely important.” They agreed to designate new High Commissioners for the first time since 2023, signaling a thaw in ties strained by Canada’s allegations of India’s involvement in a 2023 assassination. The leaders emphasized collaboration in trade, investment, and democratic values, with Carney defending Modi’s invitation despite domestic criticism.
