Calgary, June 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Calgary, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit being held in Kananaskis on June 16–17. This marks his sixth consecutive participation in the high-level gathering of the world’s major economies.
Modi reached Canada from Cyprus, the second stop of his ongoing four-day, three-nation tour that includes visits to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia. He is attending the Summit at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
In a post on X, Modi said he looks forward to engaging with world leaders on key global challenges and highlighting the concerns of the Global South.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister will participate in G7 discussions on energy security, technology, infrastructure, and investment, and will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines.
The visit comes at a time of renewed efforts to mend India-Canada relations, strained since the killing of pro-Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. Carney’s invitation signals Ottawa’s intent to reset ties with New Delhi, following Justin Trudeau’s exit earlier this year. Diplomatic channels between both countries have recently reopened, with discussions underway to appoint new high commissioners.
India’s last major engagement with Canada was in 2015, when bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership. In 2024, bilateral trade in goods reached USD 8.6 billion, and services trade stood at USD 14.3 billion.
India has regularly been invited to G7 Outreach Sessions, with this year marking its 11th such participation. The Summit will also focus on key global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing tensions in West Asia.
Canada is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas, with nearly 4.5% of its population being of Indian origin. However, recent immigration policy changes have affected the flow of Indian students and workers to Canada.
The G7, comprising the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada, along with the EU, meets annually to address pressing economic and geopolitical challenges. This year’s Summit is the 50th edition, with Canada assuming the rotating presidency on January 1, 2025. (KNS)
