Kananaskis (Canada), June 18:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation at the G7 Outreach Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, marks a renewed phase in India’s global diplomacy, and a significant step in recalibrating ties with Canada. Welcomed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on arrival, this is Modi’s first visit to Canada in a decade, and comes against the backdrop of efforts to restore bilateral relations strained since last year’s diplomatic standoff.
During the summit, Modi is engaging with G7 leaders and outreach nations on key global priorities, including energy security, artificial intelligence, innovation, and counter-terrorism. Emphasising the interests of the Global South, his outreach underscores India’s positioning as a bridge between advanced economies and developing nations.
Modi held his first-ever meeting with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, who recently assumed office after a historic election. The conversation centred around enhancing cooperation in trade, digital innovation, semiconductors, critical minerals, and science and technology. Both leaders acknowledged the potential in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, with Sheinbaum highlighting the need for scientific investments and Modi inviting her to visit India.
The two leaders also discussed regional challenges affecting the Global South. With bilateral trade between India and Mexico at $8.6 billion in 2023 and a 2023 MoU on scientific collaboration already in place, the meeting is seen as a step forward in expanding this strategic partnership established during Modi’s 2016 visit.
Modi also met South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to reaffirm their Special Strategic Partnership. The discussions focused on green hydrogen, shipbuilding, critical and emerging technologies, and cultural exchanges.
In a significant first, Modi met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, describing Germany and India as “close friends connected by shared values.” Celebrating 25 years of strategic partnership, the two leaders explored deeper ties in trade, green energy, defence, education, and security, including counter-terrorism financing.
Engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also featured prominently. While Modi and Macron reiterated their alignment on global priorities, the India–UK interaction reflected a mutual desire to keep working together to bolster bilateral ties.
Japan, Canada, and Beyond
PM Modi’s meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba focused on critical minerals, energy, and deepening bilateral collaboration, a continuation of shared Indo-Pacific objectives.
Meanwhile, Canadian PM Mark Carney’s invitation to Modi was viewed as an overture to mend ties after a diplomatic low in 2023. Modi’s participation at the summit not only signals a reopening of dialogue but also highlights India’s growing role in shaping global discourse.
Modi joined the official G7 group photograph alongside leaders from G7 countries and invited nations, symbolising India’s active role on the world stage. As the summit unfolds, India’s strategic messaging – from Operation Sindoor’s counter-terrorism context to economic partnerships – positions it as a key voice among both established and emerging powers.
