Congress Criticizes PM Modi's Absence from G7 Summit in Canada

PM Modi's Potential Absence from G7 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Canada, as reported by sources familiar with the situation on Monday. In response, the Congress party has expressed its criticism, asserting that Modi's absence represents yet another diplomatic failure for India, especially after allowing the U.S. to mediate between India and Pakistan.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh shared on social media that the G7 summit is scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17, 2025, in Kananaskis, Alberta. The summit will see participation from the presidents of the United States and France, along with the prime ministers of the United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, and Canada, as well as the Chancellor of Germany. Additionally, leaders from Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, and the Prime Minister of Australia have also been invited.

Ramesh noted that prior to 2014, the G7 was effectively the G8, which included Russia. During that time, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was invited to G8 summits, where his contributions were taken seriously. He recalled the significant Singh-Merkel formula introduced at a summit in Germany in June 2007, which was pivotal in shaping international discussions on climate change. The tradition of inviting Indian prime ministers to these summits continued until now, but for the first time in six years, India will not be represented at the Canadian summit.

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He emphasized that no matter how the situation is spun, the reality remains that this is a significant diplomatic oversight, akin to the Indian government's decision to allow U.S. mediation between India and Pakistan, which overturned decades of foreign policy. The G7 summit in Canada will address global challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Middle East.