INDIA’S PARTICIPATION IN THE G7 SUMMIT
Why in News?
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, on June 16-17, 2025, following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
- This marks PM Modi’s sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit, despite India not being a permanent member.
- India’s repeated invitations highlight its growing global influence and its role as a voice for the Global South, especially on critical global issues.
BRIEF DETAILS
- Dates: June 16-17, 2025.
- Location: Kananaskis, Canada.
- Invitation: Invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
- Significance for PM Modi: This marks his sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.
- PM’s Statement: Stated the summit will provide a platform for exchanging views on global issues and the priorities of the Global South. Also looks forward to engaging with partner country leaders.
WHAT IS G7?
- Members: Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States.
- Nature: Informal forum of seven of the world’s most advanced and industrialized democracies.
- Formation:
- Formed as G6 in 1975 to coordinate global economic policy.
- Became G7 in 1976 with Canada joining.
- Became G8 in 1997 when Russia joined, but Russia was suspended in 2014 after annexing Crimea, returning it to G7.
- Scope: Over the years, its scope expanded to include climate change, security, development, and technology.
ABOUT G7 SUMMIT
- Annual Meeting: Annual gathering of the heads of state or government of the G7 countries.
- Purpose: High-level forum to discuss global challenges and coordinate policies on international issues.
- Discussions: Leaders hold closed-door talks on economy, climate change, global health, conflicts, and AI.
- Outcomes: Negotiate joint declarations, known as communiqués, summarizing shared commitments.
- Hosting: One member country hosts the summit each year, setting the agenda and inviting guest countries (like India, Brazil, South Africa, Australia).
INDIA’S INVITATIONS TO G7 SUMMIT
- Frequency: India has been invited to the G7 Summit more than ten times.
- First Invitation: 2003, when then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee attended in France as a special guest.
- Regular Participation:
- 2005-2009: Then PM Manmohan Singh participated annually.
- Since 2019: PM Modi has attended every year (France 2019, US 2020 (cancelled), UK 2021 (virtual), Germany 2022, Japan 2023, Canada 2025).
- Role: India attends as an “outreach partner” or “special invitee,” not a formal member.
REASONS FOR INDIA’S INVITATION
- Major Global Player: India is a key global player and a significant voice in the Global South.
- Economic Clout: World’s 5th largest economy.
- Key Pillar in Global Supply Chains: Important for critical minerals, climate initiatives, and digital transformation.
- Input for Global Solutions: Hosting countries seek India’s input for balanced global solutions.
- Bridging Representation Gaps: Inviting PM Modi helps include perspectives from the Global South on issues like food security, energy access, climate justice, and pandemic resilience.
- External Affairs Minister’s View: Stated that India’s presence brings benefits to the G7 and allows the Global South to voice its concerns about international order inequities.
CANADA’S RATIONALE
- Highlighted that inviting Modi “made sense” to:
- Support rebuilding ties.
- Explore cooperation on intelligence sharing and trade corridors (like IMEC – India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor).
- Reassert mutual strategic importance.
- Consistent Participation: India has regularly participated in outreach sessions since 2019, focusing on climate, digital transformation, biodiversity, and health.
IMPORTANCE FOR INDIA CANADA RELATIONS
- First Meeting: This will be PM Modi’s first meeting with Canadian PM Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.
- Opportunity to Reset: The External Affairs Ministry views this as an opportunity to reset India-Canada relations.
- Aims to rebuild relations based on mutual respect, shared interests, and addressing each other’s concerns.
- PM Modi’s Canada Visit: This is PM Modi’s first visit to Canada in a decade.
RECENT STRAINED RELATIONS
- Relations were strained after former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s allegation in September 2023 about Indian agents’ involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
- India strongly denied the allegation as “absurd” and counter-accused Canada of harboring separatist and radical elements.
- This led to diplomatic expulsions and downgraded ties.
- Crucial Step: The Modi-Carney meeting is considered a crucial step towards mending the relationship that has been at a historic low.
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