On June 17, 2025, the picturesque city of Calgary, Canada, hosted the G7 Summit, a gathering of the world’s leading economies. While the G7 traditionally comprises the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Canada, the 2025 summit saw an unmistakable shift in focus toward a non-member nation: India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending as a guest, emerged as a central figure, steering discussions on critical global issues and reinforcing India’s growing stature as a geopolitical heavyweight.
A Diplomatic Triumph Amid Tensions
Modi’s presence at the G7 Summit was more than a routine diplomatic engagement; it was a testament to India’s rising influence on the global stage. The backdrop of his visit was particularly significant given the strained India-Canada relations in recent years, marked by a diplomatic chill in 2023 over allegations of Indian interference in Canadian affairs. Posts on X highlighted the sentiment that Canada was initially reluctant to invite Modi, but pressure from other G7 leaders underscored India’s indispensable role in global discussions. This context made Modi’s participation a diplomatic coup, signaling a potential thaw in bilateral ties.
Upon landing in Calgary, Modi was greeted with warmth by the Indian diaspora, who celebrated his visit as a symbol of India’s growing global clout. His meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was a focal point, with both leaders emphasizing mutual respect and shared economic interests. This reset in relations was a subtle but significant win, as it paved the way for constructive dialogue on trade, technology, and security.
India’s Voice on Global Issues
The G7 Summit 2025 focused on pressing global challenges, including artificial intelligence (AI), supply chain resilience, clean energy, and the priorities of the Global South. Modi’s interventions were both strategic and impactful, positioning India as a bridge between developed and developing nations. His emphasis on the Global South resonated strongly, particularly as many G7 leaders acknowledged the need to address inequities in global economic systems.
In discussions on AI, Modi advocated for ethical frameworks and equitable access to technology, drawing on India’s advancements in digital infrastructure, such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Aadhaar. He underscored the importance of preventing AI from exacerbating global inequalities, a point that struck a chord with leaders navigating the technology’s rapid evolution. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users noting India’s leadership in AI and supply chain innovation as a highlight of the summit.
On clean energy, Modi reiterated India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, including achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. He called for greater collaboration on green hydrogen and sustainable manufacturing, positioning India as a partner in the global transition to a low-carbon economy. His remarks were seen as a counterbalance to the G7’s traditional focus on Western-centric solutions, urging inclusivity in climate strategies.
Navigating Geopolitical Currents
The summit was not without its share of drama. Reports indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump’s early departure from the summit created a void that Modi deftly filled. His ability to engage with leaders from Japan, Germany, and Italy on bilateral and multilateral issues showcased India’s diplomatic agility. Modi’s bilateral meetings, including discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Indo-Pacific security and with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on defense cooperation, reinforced India’s role as a trusted partner in a multipolar world.
The G7’s invitation to Modi was also a strategic move to counterbalance China’s influence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. India’s leadership in the Quad (comprising the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India) and its vocal advocacy for a free and open Indo-Pacific aligned with the G7’s broader geopolitical objectives. Modi’s pitch for supply chain diversification, reducing reliance on single-nation supply chains, was a direct nod to concerns about China’s dominance in critical sectors like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
The Diaspora and Domestic Resonance
Modi’s visit to Canada was not just about high-level diplomacy; it was also a moment of pride for the Indian diaspora. Despite protests from pro-Khalistani groups, the Indian community in Calgary turned out in large numbers to welcome Modi, celebrating his leadership and India’s global ascent. Social media buzzed with images of Modi interacting with diaspora members, reinforcing his image as a leader who connects with Indians worldwide.
Back home, Modi’s G7 participation was portrayed as a milestone in India’s journey to becoming a Vishwaguru (global leader). Indian media highlighted his ability to articulate the priorities of the Global South while holding his own among the world’s most powerful leaders. This narrative resonated with domestic audiences, who saw the summit as a validation of India’s economic and diplomatic progress under Modi’s leadership.
Challenges and Criticisms
While Modi’s performance at the G7 was widely praised, it was not without scrutiny. Critics pointed out that India’s participation as a guest, rather than a full G7 member, limits its ability to shape the group’s agenda directly. Some argued that Modi’s focus on the Global South, while laudable, must be backed by concrete policy measures to address domestic challenges like poverty and infrastructure gaps. Additionally, the protests in Canada highlighted ongoing tensions with sections of the Sikh diaspora, a reminder of the complexities of India’s global image.
A Defining Moment for India
Modi’s appearance at the G7 Summit in Canada was a defining moment, not just for India’s foreign policy but for the evolving dynamics of global governance. By championing the Global South, advocating for ethical AI, and strengthening ties with G7 nations, Modi ensured that India’s voice was not just heard but amplified. The summit underscored a broader shift: the G7 can no longer afford to ignore the perspectives of emerging powers like India, especially in a world grappling with economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and geopolitical rivalries.
As the dust settles on the Calgary summit, one thing is clear: Narendra Modi didn’t just attend the G7; he shaped its narrative. From resetting India-Canada ties to positioning India as a leader in AI and clean energy, Modi’s diplomatic masterstroke has set the stage for India to play an even larger role in global affairs. For a nation once on the periphery of such summits, this moment marks a bold step toward the center of the world stage.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 12:42 pm by Aagya Agarwal | Published by: Aagya Agarwal on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 9:32 pm | News Categories: Business Saga News
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