Prime Minister Modi Attends G7 Summit in Canada: A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Canada for the G7 Summit signifies a pivotal moment in India-Canada relations, which have faced challenges in recent years. This visit, his first to Canada in a decade, will focus on discussions around energy security, technology, and innovation. Modi's participation comes after a period of strained ties following the assassination of a pro-Khalistani figure. With new leadership in Canada, there are hopes for a renewed partnership. The summit will provide a platform for exchanging ideas and addressing global issues, marking a potential turning point in bilateral relations.
| Jun 17, 2025, 11:13 IST
Modi's Visit to Canada for G7 Summit
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kananaskis, Canada, to participate in the 51st G7 Summit. This marks his first visit to Canada in a decade. The discussions at the summit will focus on critical global issues such as energy security, technology, and innovation.
Traveling from Cyprus, Prime Minister Modi is on a trip that includes three countries, having been invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to attend the summit. This will be Modi's sixth consecutive participation in the G7 meeting, scheduled for June 16-17. During his 23-hour stay, he is set to address the G7 outreach session on Tuesday and will hold several bilateral meetings, including one with Prime Minister Carney, before departing for Croatia later that evening.
The Ministry of External Affairs previously stated, "At the summit, the Prime Minister will exchange views on significant global issues with leaders from G7 nations, other invited outreach countries, and heads of international organizations, focusing on energy security, technology, and innovation, particularly AI-energy relations and quantum-related matters." This summit comes nearly a month after India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, following the Pahalgam attack on April 22.
Significance of Modi's Visit
Prime Minister Carney's invitation to Modi is seen as a sign that Canada's new government aims to improve relations with India. Relations soured after the assassination of pro-Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. Last October, India recalled its High Commissioner and five other diplomats after Canada linked them to the Nijjar case.
India also expelled Canadian diplomats, accusing the Justin Trudeau government of allowing pro-Khalistani groups to operate from Canada. Carney, who became Prime Minister in March after Trudeau's departure, is an economist who recently entered politics. Following Trudeau's exit, India expressed hope to restore ties with Canada based on "mutual trust and sensitivity." In recent months, security officials from both nations have resumed contact.
Discussions regarding the appointment of new High Commissioners have also taken place. The Ministry of External Affairs noted last week that the upcoming meeting between Modi and Carney during the G7 summit would be an opportunity to explore ways to exchange ideas and re-establish relations. During Modi's last visit to Canada in 2015, both countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership. A significant number of Indian expatriates reside in Canada.
Approximately 4.5% of Canada's population is of Indian descent, totaling around 1.8 million individuals, including about 770,000 Sikhs. Additionally, nearly 1 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) live in Canada as students, skilled professionals, or temporary workers.
Indian students have consistently formed the largest group of international students in Canada. In 2022, they represented 41% of the international student population. However, recent immigration policies in Canada have impacted the prospects of Indian students and the finances of Canadian universities.
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