PM Modi Pledges To Highlight Global South Priorities At G7 Meet In Canada

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Calgary, Canada, on Tuesday to participate in the G7 Summit being held in the resort town of Kananaskis.

On arrival, he reaffirmed his commitment to raising important global issues and voicing the concerns of the Global South in discussions with world leaders.

Global Agenda with a South Focus

Taking to 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.”

His remarks underline India’s continued push to ensure developing nations are part of global policy conversations.

Warm welcome in Canada

Acting Indian High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik, senior Canadian officials, and representatives of Canada’s First Nations, the Indigenous peoples of the country, received PM Modi at Calgary airport.

His arrival comes at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the summit’s host.

During the summit, PM Modi will engage with leaders of the world’s most advanced economies, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa.

Notably, US President Donald Trump will be absent from PM Modi’s meetings, having shortened his summit participation due to the escalating Iran-Israel crisis.

Expanding global engagement

Apart from the G7 countries, several global leaders have also been invited to the summit.

These include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

These engagements offer Prime Minister Modi an opportunity to build a broader consensus on global challenges and development goals.

PM Modi’s arrival in Canada follows his official visit to Cyprus, where he held wide-ranging discussions with President Nikos Christodoulides to strengthen bilateral ties.

PM Modi’s visit to Canada also carries special significance as it follows a period of strained India-Canada ties, with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fuelling tensions through his handling of Khalistan-linked controversies.

With Mark Carney now leading, India and Canada are actively working toward resetting their relationship.

Leaders also view Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the summit and his expected one-on-one interactions as a diplomatic opportunity to restore mutual trust and strengthen collaboration.

Furthermore, with key global challenges on the table, ranging from geopolitical tensions to climate goals and economic recovery, PM Modi’s participation in the G7 Summit reinforces India’s position as a leading voice for the Global South and a responsible global stakeholder.

Also Read: Canada Arrests 18 In Violent Gang Takedown Ahead Of PM Modi’s Visit