In a significant diplomatic development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday confirmed his participation in the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit to be held in Canada’s Kananaskis later this month. The confirmation came amid swirling rumours that Modi might not be invited this year following ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi shared a warm note about his recent phone conversation with newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month,” Modi wrote. He further added, “As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit.”
A Turn in a Troubled Chapter?
The announcement marks a notable thaw in the strained relations between the two democracies. India-Canada diplomatic ties have been under pressure since 2023, primarily due to controversies surrounding Khalistani separatist activities in Canada and Ottawa’s public statements about India’s internal affairs. For a while, high-level bilateral engagement remained on hold.
Speculation about India being left out of the G7 guest list this year gained traction after six consecutive years of Modi’s presence at the elite global forum. Critics had suggested that the absence of an invitation reflected the ongoing diplomatic frost between the two nations.
However, Prime Minister Carney’s direct outreach appears to have turned the tide.
What This Means for India-Canada Relations
Mark Carney, a former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, recently led the Liberal Party to victory in the Canadian federal elections. His invitation to Modi signals a possible diplomatic reset. Experts suggest that Carney, known for his pragmatic and globalist outlook, may steer Canada’s foreign policy in a more conciliatory direction compared to his predecessor.
India, on its part, has always underlined the importance of people-to-people ties, especially considering the significant Indo-Canadian diaspora. There are over 1.8 million people of Indian origin in Canada, and New Delhi has consistently maintained that bilateral relations must not be held hostage by fringe political narratives.
India’s Growing Global Role at G7
Though not a formal G7 member, India has become a regular invitee to the forum, reflecting its growing importance in shaping global economic and geopolitical discourse. Modi’s confirmed attendance in Kananaskis underscores India’s intent to remain an active voice on issues ranging from climate change and energy security to democratic values and international trade.
This year’s G7 summit is expected to focus on AI governance, global economic stability, climate goals, and conflict resolution, especially in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East.
India’s participation is crucial in fostering a more inclusive global framework, especially as the Global South demands a stronger voice on international platforms.
The Road Ahead
Modi’s confirmation, coming directly from his own social media account, is not just a diplomatic signal but a statement of intent. It suggests that despite past tensions, New Delhi is open to recalibrating ties with Ottawa—provided the engagement is guided by mutual respect and constructive dialogue.
As the world’s largest democracy and a rising global power, India’s presence at G7 summits has always added weight. And with Canada’s new leadership extending an olive branch, the upcoming summit might just be the stage for a long-awaited reset in India-Canada relations.
All eyes will now be on Kananaskis later this month, where world leaders—including PM Modi and PM Carney—will gather to discuss some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Whether this meeting leads to a tangible improvement in India-Canada ties remains to be seen, but for now, the tone is cautiously optimistic.
