Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Canada on Tuesday to attend the G7 Summit being held in Kananaskis, Alberta, marking his first visit to Canada since 2015. His arrival at Calgary International Airport comes at a time when both countries are seeking to rebuild strained diplomatic ties.
PM Modi is attending the summit at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, signaling a potential thaw in India-Canada relations after two years of diplomatic tensions.
A Pivotal Visit for India-Canada Relations
This high-profile visit carries significant diplomatic weight as it is the first since relations between New Delhi and Ottawa soured in 2023 following the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In the aftermath, both nations expelled diplomats, and India accused the previous Trudeau-led government of tolerating anti-India extremist elements on Canadian soil.
Carney, who took office in March 2025 after Justin Trudeau stepped down, has sought to reset the tone with India. His invitation to PM Modi for the G7 Summit is widely seen as an overture toward rebuilding bilateral trust and cooperation.
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi said, “As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigor, guided by mutual respect and shared interests.”
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also expressed optimism, calling the summit an “important opportunity to exchange views and explore pathways” for reestablishing a positive and forward-looking bilateral relationship.
Modi’s G7 Engagements and Strategic Focus
Though India is not a member of the G7, Prime Minister Modi has been a regular invitee since 2019 — a reflection of India's increasing global stature. During his 23-hour visit, Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with global leaders and participate in Outreach Sessions of the summit.
This year's gathering comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s cross-border strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, carried out in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Modi is likely to use the summit to reinforce India's position on counterterrorism and regional security.
A Strategic Economic Partnership
India and Canada last elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership during Modi’s 2015 visit. The renewed diplomatic engagement comes against a strong trade backdrop.
In 2024, bilateral goods trade totaled USD 8.6 billion, with India exporting USD 4.2 billion and importing USD 4.4 billion. In services, the figure stood at USD 14.3 billion, with India exporting USD 2.5 billion and importing USD 11.8 billion.
Both countries are also considering reappointing high commissioners, following the gradual reactivation of security and diplomatic communication in recent months.
G7 Summit Agenda Amid Global Crises
The two-day G7 Summit, hosted by Canada, brings together leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, and the European Union, along with representatives from the United Nations, World Bank, and IMF.
Key topics on the summit agenda include the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in West Asia stemming from the ongoing Iran-Israel confrontations, and global economic uncertainties, including trade imbalances triggered by past U.S. tariff policies.
PM Modi’s participation is expected to highlight India’s views on these pressing global issues while also reinforcing India’s role as a key voice among the Global South.
As India seeks to expand its global influence and re-engage with old allies, Modi’s Canada visit stands as a critical opportunity — not just for diplomacy, but for redefining India's place in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. (Source: NDTV)
