Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Calgary, Canada, on Monday, June 16, 2025, to participate in the G-7 Outreach Summit. The summit, to be hosted in Kananaskis, Alberta, is attracting global attention due to its timing amid intensifying conflicts in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The ongoing Israel-Iran tensions and the continued Russia-Ukraine war provide a crucial backdrop to this high-level multilateral gathering. Among the prominent global figures joining Modi at the summit is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring the relevance of security discussions in the current geopolitical climate.
Modi’s trip to Canada, which follows a short stopover in Cyprus, is being closely observed as it marks a potential turning point in India-Canada relations. This visit is expected to pave the way for a diplomatic thaw between the two nations following a significant deterioration in ties under former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Relations hit a low point after Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan activist, on June 18, 2023.
Trudeau’s explosive allegation in September 2023, that “Indian state actors” were behind Nijjar’s murder on Canadian soil, caused a major diplomatic rift. The accusation led to expulsions of diplomats, suspension of talks, and strained people-to-people ties between the two democracies. As Modi now prepares to meet Canada’s new leader, Prime Minister Mark Carney, observers hope for a fresh chapter.
Carney, who assumed office following Trudeau’s departure, has indicated a willingness to move past the previous administration’s tensions. Significantly, he has acknowledged India’s expanding global footprint and emphasized the need for constructive engagement with the world’s largest democracy. In an earlier statement, Carney remarked that “India’s global profile requires engagement,” suggesting his administration is seeking to normalize ties with New Delhi.
This diplomatic reset coincides with Prime Minister Modi’s first appearance at a major international event since India concluded Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The military operation targeted terror networks across Pakistan and received international attention. The G-7 Outreach Summit thus provides Modi with a timely platform to engage with global leaders and position India’s security and diplomatic priorities.
During the summit, Modi is expected to hold discussions with multiple heads of state, including host Prime Minister Carney and other members of the G-7 as well as guest nations. The event promises to be a venue for strategic dialogue, coalition-building, and multilateral coordination. Modi’s interactions at the summit are likely to touch on issues ranging from counterterrorism to economic cooperation and energy security.
The G-7 Outreach Summit, scheduled for Tuesday at noon, will focus on three key themes that reflect the current international climate. The first theme, “Protecting our communities around the world,” is expected to encompass a wide array of discussions, including defense cooperation, counterterrorism, cyber threats, and humanitarian crises. With conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza continuing unabated, leaders will deliberate on ways to shield civilians and prevent further escalations.
The second core issue is “Building energy security and accelerating the digital transition.” This topic is highly relevant given the dual challenges posed by geopolitical instability and the global energy crisis. As nations seek alternatives to fossil fuels and aim for sustainable energy sources, digitalization is increasingly becoming a central pillar of national development strategies. The summit is likely to explore avenues for collaboration in clean energy, semiconductor supply chains, and 5G infrastructure.
The third and final theme, “Securing the partnerships of the future,” emphasizes the importance of fostering resilient international alliances. This is particularly crucial at a time when traditional multilateral structures are under stress and new alignments are emerging. The summit may also include deliberations on reforming global institutions and developing mechanisms for inclusive growth and equitable development.
Besides India and Ukraine, the summit will include leaders from Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea as special invitees. Their presence signifies the growing recognition that global challenges require broad-based cooperation beyond the G-7 nations. These countries represent diverse regions and bring valuable perspectives to the table, especially in addressing issues like climate change, global trade, and digital equity.
Following his diplomatic engagements in Canada, Prime Minister Modi will depart on Tuesday evening for Zagreb, Croatia, which marks the final leg of his three-nation tour. This visit comes at a critical time for Indian foreign policy, as it seeks to consolidate alliances, rebuild frayed ties, and assert its strategic interests on the global stage.
The upcoming meeting between Modi and Carney is expected to be a closely watched event. While the specifics of the bilateral dialogue are yet to be disclosed, the broader context suggests that both leaders are interested in de-escalating the diplomatic standoff that defined the latter years of Trudeau’s tenure. The murder of Nijjar had cast a long shadow on India-Canada relations, and Modi’s visit is seen as an attempt to move beyond the impasse.
Observers note that the shift in leadership in Canada offers a fresh opportunity for reconciliation. Carney’s pragmatic approach to foreign policy and his willingness to recognize India’s importance in the global order are crucial factors in resetting the bilateral agenda. India, on its part, has consistently rejected Trudeau’s accusations, terming them “absurd” and “politically motivated,” and has maintained that it seeks constructive ties with Ottawa.
As the G-7 Outreach Summit convenes, it also provides a timely forum for leaders to exchange views on managing a world in flux. With the war in Ukraine dragging on, tensions flaring in the Middle East, and economic uncertainties looming, the stakes are high. For India, which has long advocated for multipolarity and reform of global governance institutions, the summit offers a platform to advance its vision of a more balanced and inclusive international order.
Modi’s participation in the G-7 Outreach Summit in Canada represents more than just a diplomatic engagement. It reflects India’s evolving role on the global stage, its readiness to mend fractured ties, and its commitment to working with like-minded nations on shared challenges. As he moves on to Croatia, the outcomes of this summit and his interactions with leaders like Carney will be closely analyzed for signs of strategic alignment and future cooperation.
