Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Canada this month to participate in the 2025 G7 Summit, scheduled to take place in the scenic mountain town of Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17. As a non-member invitee, India’s participation highlights the expanding role it plays on the global stage—both as a rising economic power and as a key voice representing the interests of the developing world.
The G7 comprises the world’s most advanced economies—Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan—along with the European Union. Though India is not part of this exclusive club, its invitation by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is an acknowledgment of India’s strategic weight and diplomatic influence in an increasingly multipolar world.
This year’s summit comes amid a host of global crises: the ongoing climate emergency, geopolitical instability, supply chain vulnerabilities, and rising inflation. For these challenges, G7 leaders are seeking collaboration with emerging economies that have proven resilient and innovative—India being a key example.
“The presence of Prime Minister Modi reflects our collective belief that addressing today’s complex global problems requires inclusive partnerships,” said Prime Minister Carney. “India brings practical experience, democratic values, and innovative solutions to the table.”
Modi is expected to participate in several plenary sessions and roundtables that focus on themes such as economic resilience, green transition, and ethical AI development. India’s rapidly expanding digital economy, its leadership in clean energy, and its experience in scaling up digital public infrastructure are areas where G7 nations see significant value.
The summit also offers Modi a platform to reaffirm India’s global priorities—especially on climate justice, multilateral reform, and South-South cooperation. India has consistently argued that the needs of the Global South must be front and center in international policymaking.
“India will speak on behalf of billions in the developing world who seek a fairer global order,” a senior Indian official noted. “Our message is simple: economic growth and climate responsibility must be inclusive.”
The location of this year’s summit—Kananaskis—is both symbolic and practical. Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies and shielded from major urban centers, it offers a peaceful setting for deep diplomatic engagement. Canadian security agencies have already locked down the area, with extensive measures in place to ensure the safety of all delegates.
In addition to the main sessions, Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. These discussions are expected to focus on strengthening trade, enhancing defense cooperation, and navigating challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
India’s consistent focus on sustainable development is also expected to feature prominently. With initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India has positioned itself as a global leader in renewable energy. At the G7, Modi will likely urge developed nations to fulfill their climate finance commitments and invest in green partnerships with emerging economies.
India’s diplomatic standing has steadily risen since its presidency of the G20 in 2023, where it emphasized the voices of the Global South and promoted consensus-based multilateralism. Experts believe the G7 invitation builds on that legacy.
“India today is not just a participant in global forums—it is a shaper of global narratives,” said Dr. Manish Rao, an international relations analyst. “Modi’s presence at the G7 is another step in India’s rise as a thought leader in world affairs.”
This summit is especially significant due to the changing leadership landscape. With new leaders in Canada, Japan, Germany, and the UK, the world is watching how established alliances adjust and how new relationships—such as those with India—are deepened.
While India’s inclusion does not grant it voting rights in the G7’s final communique, its ability to shape discussions and build momentum around key issues is widely recognized. Modi’s goal, sources say, is not only to advance India’s national interests but also to frame global decisions through the lens of equity, responsibility, and shared prosperity.
As the summit draws near, global attention will focus on how India—alongside G7 members—can co-create solutions for a world facing mounting crises. Modi’s participation is more than a diplomatic visit; it is a testament to India’s place at the table where major global decisions are made.
