Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived to attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, following an official invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Though India is not a Group of Seven (G7) member, it has been consistently attending the summit as a special invitee since 2019. The visit assumes special geopolitical significance this year amid strained Indo-Canadian ties in the wake of the Hardeep Singh Nijjar controversy.

PM Modi already thanked Carney for the invitation and also extended congratulations on his election win. The summit, which gathers the world's most developed economies, the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada, and the European Union, will focus on key global issues like energy security, digitalization, as well as geopolitical tensions, the MEA stated earlier. This will also be the first time PM Modi visits Canada in a decade, making the summit a critical juncture to reset bilateral ties and meet with several global leaders, including Carney himself.

5 Key Factors Of PM Modi’s G7 Visit To Canada

1. A Chance To Reset Strained India-Canada Ties

PM Modi’s presence at the G7 comes after nearly a year of diplomatic tensions between India and Canada that mounted in 2023 after former PM Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of Hardeep Singh Nijjar killings. India denied the allegations, calling them "absurd" and hit back with expulsions and travel advisories. The new Canadian government under PM Carney has adopted a more conciliatory stance, signalling a willingness to rebuild relations, but Canada maintains that its legal inquiry into the Nijjar matter will continue unhindered. HS Paneser, President of the Global Indian Diaspora Alliance, says, "As of June 2025, PM Modi's participation in the G7 Summit, hosted by Canadian PM Carney, is being widely viewed by the Indian diaspora and various commentators as a crucial opportunity to react and improve the strained Indo-Canadian relations. The invitation by PM Carney is viewed as an olive branch and soft restart to the bilateral ties... The fact that PM Modi has been invited to the G7, despite India not being a member, underscores India's rising global stature as the world's most populous country and fourth-largest economy..."

2. Strategic Engagement On Global Issues

India’s participation as a special invitee underscores its rising global stature. With India now the world’s fourth-largest economy and the most populous country, will play a key role in discussions on global energy security, critical minerals, and digital innovation. The MEA also highlighted India’s expected talks on AI, quantum technology, and infrastructure development in the Global South.

3. First Modi-Carney Bilateral Talks on the Sidelines

PM Modi and Carney are expected to meet for a formal bilateral discussion at the summit, which may set the stage for restoring full diplomatic relations, including the re-institution of commission in both capitals. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that "India is exploring a path to reset ties" and noted this meeting presents a "significant opportunity to discuss mutual concerns with renewed sensitivity and respect.

4. Khalistani Radicalism & Security Negotiations Imminent

Sources cited by The Hindu say that PM Modi will probably bring up India's long-standing grievances against Khalistani activities in Canada, particularly against Indian diplomats. PM Carney has affirmed that a “law enforcement dialogue” with India is ongoing, pointing to the sensitive nature of ongoing investigations involving the RCMP. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand has also talked with EAM Jaishankar in May and had a discussion on strengthening Canada-India ties, deepening economic cooperation from both sides.

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5. Multilateral Diplomacy: PM Modi To Meet Important World Leaders

In addition to Carney, PM Modi is expected to meet several other G7 leaders, including US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron, who has been engaging on the Israel-Palestine two-state solution, seeks India’s support in multilateral forums. Modi’s address at the summit will likely include strong messaging on terrorism and global stability, where India is expected to reiterate its call for international accountability, particularly about Pakistan.

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Canada hosts one of the largest Indian diasporas abroad, accounting for nearly 4.5 per cent of its population. This includes nearly 1.8 million Canadians of Indian origin (of which the Sikh population is roughly 770,000), and 1 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), who are in Canada in various capacities, students, skilled workers, temporary workers etc. Indian students have historically been the largest group of international students in Canada, comprising 41 per cent in 2022. However, the recent tightening of immigration has impacted both Indian students' opportunities and Canadian universities' finances. With its strong economy, strategic position, and democratic record, India is considered a natural ally in restructuring global supply chains and digital infrastructure