PM Modi Arrives in Canada for G7 Summit, Signals Fresh Start in India-Canada Ties
Calgary, Canada – Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary on Monday to participate in the G7 Summit, being held in the scenic mountain town of Kananaskis. Modi is attending the summit at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, signaling a potential thaw in previously strained India-Canada relations.
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Acting Indian High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik, Canadian officials, and First Nation leaders, reflecting Canada’s inclusive diplomatic protocol.
Before departing India, PM Modi posted on X, calling the G7 a “great platform to exchange perspectives on global issues and elaborate on the priorities of the Global South.” His presence at the summit underscores India’s growing diplomatic footprint and its strategic role as a voice for emerging economies.
High-Level Interactions Amid Global Tensions
The summit is being held under tight security, as several geopolitical flashpoints unfold worldwide, including the Iran-Israel conflict and recent terror incidents in Pahalgam. PM Modi is expected to hold sideline discussions with top global leaders including:
- President Emmanuel Macron (France)
- Prime Ministers Keir Starmer (UK), Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Shigeru Ishiba (Japan)
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Germany)
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- European Council President Antonio Costa
- Host Prime Minister Mark Carney (Canada)
Notably absent will be US President Donald Trump, who is returning early to the United States to address the escalating Middle East crisis.
Engaging the Global South and Strategic Allies
This year’s G7 also includes a broader list of guest nations, with leaders from Ukraine, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, and Australia expected to participate. For India, the summit offers a platform to reinforce its foreign policy objectives following Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Resetting Bilateral Ties with Canada
PM Modi’s visit comes at a crucial time for India-Canada relations, which had suffered under the leadership of former PM Justin Trudeau, particularly over issues related to Khalistan extremism.
Commenting on the visit, Mann Parekh, a prominent Indo-Canadian community member, told IANS:
“This invitation by Mark Carney is a much-needed step toward rebuilding trust. It’s a signal that both governments want to move forward.”
Kushagr Sharma, President of the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce, echoed the sentiment: “PM Modi’s presence shows there’s serious intent to strengthen economic ties. Trade has been growing, and this visit could open new chapters.”
Widespread Diaspora Excitement
Modi’s visit has generated palpable excitement among Canada’s 1.8 million Indo-Canadians and the one million Indian citizens living in the country. Many see it as a fresh chapter in bilateral diplomacy, economic cooperation, and diaspora engagement.
