PM Modi’s G7 2025 Visit Marks Thaw with Canada

“Diplomacy Recalibrated: PM Modi’s G7 2025 Visit Marks Thaw with Canada and Global South Assertiveness”

The Return: Modi’s First Canada Visit in a Decade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Canada on June 16 for the G7 Summit—his first trip to the country in over ten years—marking his sixth consecutive G7 appearance. 

Notably, this visit follows a diplomatic freeze sparked in 2023 over the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, which led to mutual expulsions of diplomats and a chilling of economic and people-to-people ties

Resetting Ties: A Productive Meet with PM Carney

On the summit sidelines, PM Modi met with Canadian PM Mark Carney for the first time since Carney’s succession. The dialogue was described as productive, centering on the reappointment of high commissioners and reestablishing diplomatic trust. 

Both leaders agreed to restart stalled economic talks, including the EPTA (economic partnership) agreement, and recommit to democratic norms, sovereignty, and strengthening global supply chains. 

Despite protests from Sikh diaspora groups in Calgary—who decried Modi’s presence amid the Nijjar controversy —the meeting signaled a measured move toward normalizing India–Canada relations, with implications for trade, labour mobility, and agricultural exports. 

G7 Debut Speech: Tackling Terrorism, War & Equity

During the G7 Outreach Session in Calgary, PM Modi underscored key global challenges:

• Terrorism & double standards: Warning that states supporting terror networks can go unpunished, he called for a cohesive global crackdown. 

• End war, build consensus: Modi pleaded against ongoing conflicts—particularly in Ukraine—and urged leaders to “build a broad anti‑terror coalition,” naming Pakistan-based terror networks

• Global South voice: He emphasized the importance of voicing developing-world priorities and pushing for economic equity during summit dialogues

Modi’s statements during Day 2 highlighted how “this is not an era of war” and that countries enabling terror must be held accountable. 

Looking Forward

PM Modi’s agenda at the summit—heavily focused on counterterrorism, peace-building, and equitable growth—resonates with India’s long-term diplomatic strategy. The Canada visit not only resets bilateral relations but also sends a broader message: India is here to lead on global security and development.

In Summary

• Modi’s first Canada visit in a decade marks a milestone reset in India–Canada relations, highlighted by the reinstatement of envoys and renewed economic dialogue.

• His G7 engagement blended strong calls on terrorism and conflict resolution with an assertive push for Global South representation.

• The summit underscores India’s transformation into a diplomatic heavyweight, moving beyond regional confines to spearhead multilateral collaboration.

What It All Means

Dimension	Significance
Diplomatic thaw	Post‑Nijjar, this visit and meeting with Carney show tangible reopening—via envoy appointments and reactivated trade/labour channels.
India’s global standing	Modi’s G7 presence reflects India’s sustained clout in international forums and strategic importance to G7 economies.
Security messaging	By spotlighting terrorism and wars, Modi positioned India as a global security advocate, aiming to rally allies against Pakistan-based terror.
Global South advocacy	His push for Global South issues signals a shift: India wants more say in shaping global narratives and development agendas.