Why in News?

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, on June 16-17, 2025, following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
  • This marks PM Modi's sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit, despite India not being a permanent member.
  • India's repeated invitations highlight its growing global influence and its role as a voice for the Global South, especially on critical global issues.

BRIEF DETAILS

  • Dates: June 16-17, 2025.
  • Location: Kananaskis, Canada.
  • Invitation: Invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
  • Significance for PM Modi: This marks his sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.
  • PM's Statement: Stated the summit will provide a platform for exchanging views on global issues and the priorities of the Global South. Also looks forward to engaging with partner country leaders.

WHAT IS G7?

  • Members: Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States.
  • Nature: Informal forum of seven of the world’s most advanced and industrialized democracies.
  • Formation:
    • Formed as G6 in 1975 to coordinate global economic policy.
    • Became G7 in 1976 with Canada joining.
    • Became G8 in 1997 when Russia joined, but Russia was suspended in 2014 after annexing Crimea, returning it to G7.
  • Scope: Over the years, its scope expanded to include climate change, security, development, and technology.

ABOUT G7 SUMMIT

  • Annual Meeting: Annual gathering of the heads of state or government of the G7 countries.
  • Purpose: High-level forum to discuss global challenges and coordinate policies on international issues.
  • Discussions: Leaders hold closed-door talks on economy, climate change, global health, conflicts, and AI.
  • Outcomes: Negotiate joint declarations, known as communiqués, summarizing shared commitments.
  • Hosting: One member country hosts the summit each year, setting the agenda and inviting guest countries (like India, Brazil, South Africa, Australia).

INDIA’S INVITATIONS TO G7 SUMMIT

  • Frequency: India has been invited to the G7 Summit more than ten times.
  • First Invitation: 2003, when then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee attended in France as a special guest.
  • Regular Participation:
    • 2005-2009: Then PM Manmohan Singh participated annually.
    • Since 2019: PM Modi has attended every year (France 2019, US 2020 (cancelled), UK 2021 (virtual), Germany 2022, Japan 2023, Canada 2025).
  • Role: India attends as an "outreach partner" or "special invitee," not a formal member.

REASONS FOR INDIA’S INVITATION

  • Major Global Player: India is a key global player and a significant voice in the Global South.
  • Economic Clout: World's 5th largest economy.
  • Key Pillar in Global Supply Chains: Important for critical minerals, climate initiatives, and digital transformation.
  • Input for Global Solutions: Hosting countries seek India's input for balanced global solutions.
  • Bridging Representation Gaps: Inviting PM Modi helps include perspectives from the Global South on issues like food security, energy access, climate justice, and pandemic resilience.
  • External Affairs Minister's View: Stated that India's presence brings benefits to the G7 and allows the Global South to voice its concerns about international order inequities.

CANADA’S RATIONALE

  • Highlighted that inviting Modi "made sense" to:
    • Support rebuilding ties.
    • Explore cooperation on intelligence sharing and trade corridors (like IMEC - India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor).
    • Reassert mutual strategic importance.
  • Consistent Participation: India has regularly participated in outreach sessions since 2019, focusing on climate, digital transformation, biodiversity, and health.

IMPORTANCE FOR INDIA CANADA RELATIONS

  • First Meeting: This will be PM Modi’s first meeting with Canadian PM Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.
  • Opportunity to Reset: The External Affairs Ministry views this as an opportunity to reset India-Canada relations.
    • Aims to rebuild relations based on mutual respect, shared interests, and addressing each other's concerns.
  • PM Modi's Canada Visit: This is PM Modi’s first visit to Canada in a decade.

RECENT STRAINED RELATIONS

  • Relations were strained after former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's allegation in September 2023 about Indian agents' involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
  • India strongly denied the allegation as "absurd" and counter-accused Canada of harboring separatist and radical elements.
  • This led to diplomatic expulsions and downgraded ties.
  • Crucial Step: The Modi-Carney meeting is considered a crucial step towards mending the relationship that has been at a historic low.