Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary, Canada, on Monday as part of his three-nation tour, stating he will engage with world leaders at the G7 Summit and share India’s perspective on key global challenges, with a strong focus on the priorities of the Global South.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South.”
This marks India’s sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit as an invited guest nation. The summit brings together leaders of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the European Union.
The Indian delegation has indicated that PM Modi will take part in high-level discussions focused on energy security, diversification, technology, infrastructure, and sustainable investment.
Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, posted, “At the invitation of PM @MarkJCarney, PM @narendramodi arrives in Alberta, Canada for the G7 Summit… PM will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines.”
India’s Acting High Commissioner to Canada, Chinmoy Naik, expressed optimism regarding the upcoming interactions between PM Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, calling the visit “a significant moment in bilateral ties” following a period of strained relations.
Naik noted that India’s participation at the summit will also spotlight emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, in addition to innovation and sustainability, stating, “Our views will definitely get noticed.”
Asked about the potential thaw in India-Canada relations, Naik pointed to Modi’s congratulatory message following Carney’s election as a positive signal. “Around this visit and this meeting, you can already see so much enthusiasm and positivity, which is what should be noted,” he said.
The India-Canada relationship hit a low point in 2023 after Canadian authorities alleged the involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a NIA-designated terrorist, in British Columbia. India strongly denied the allegations, calling them “politically motivated,” and both countries expelled diplomats in a tit-for-tat move.
India has repeatedly raised concerns with Canada over extremist activities and anti-India propaganda operating on Canadian soil, urging Ottawa to take concrete action.
Despite the diplomatic tension, PM Modi’s presence at the G7 Summit and the planned bilateral talks signal a possible reset in India-Canada ties, while reinforcing India’s growing voice on global platforms.
