PM Modi Welcomed By Canadian PM Mark Carney At G7 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary, Canada, on Monday to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit in Kananaskis.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warmly welcomed him, ushering in a renewed chapter in India-Canada ties following recent diplomatic tensions.

This visit is PM Modi’s first to Canada in a decade and his sixth consecutive appearance at the G7.

Confirming the reception, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, “Building bridges for global progress and cooperation. PM @MarkJCarney of Canada welcomed PM @narendramodi at the #G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.”

On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi held meetings with several world leaders, including Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

He is also expected to meet leaders such as UK PM Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

At the summit, PM Modi will engage in multilateral discussions with G7 and Outreach country leaders on pressing global issues, including energy security, artificial intelligence, and quantum innovation.

In a statement, Prime Minister Modi said, “Will be sharing my thoughts on important global issues and emphasising the priorities of the Global South.”

The Indian government highlighted the significance of this platform in addressing challenges linked to technological advancement and climate concerns, particularly through the AI-energy nexus.

India-Canada relations on a reset path

This visit also serves to reset India-Canada relations, which had deteriorated under former PM Justin Trudeau following unsubstantiated claims linked to a Khalistani separatist.

With PM Mark Carney taking over leadership, the diplomatic tone has shifted.

Security agencies from both countries have recently resumed contact, and there is consideration of appointing new High Commissioners.

India and Canada recorded bilateral goods trade of $8.6 billion in 2024, and services trade worth $14.3 billion. Canada is home to over 1.8 million people of Indian origin, including nearly 770,000 Sikhs and a growing community of Indian students and professionals.

Prime Minister Modi is actively working to strengthen trade ties and address concerns arising from Canada’s recent tightening of immigration policies.

During his brief visit, PM Modi will attend the G7 Outreach Session and hold several high-level meetings before departing for Zagreb.

As he noted before leaving India, the trip also serves to express gratitude to partner countries for their support in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism and to advance a unified global approach to combat it.

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