In his first Canada visit since 2015, PM Modi attends G7 Summit and is expected to meet new Canadian PM Mark Carney as both nations attempt to move past the 2023 Khalistan-linked diplomatic fallout.
Calgary/Kananaskis, June 17, 2025:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Calgary International Airport early Tuesday (India time) to attend the G7 Outreach Summit being held in Kananaskis Village, Alberta. This marks his first visit to Canada since 2015, and the first since India-Canada ties deteriorated in 2023 following the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
PM Modi was invited by Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney, signaling Ottawa’s intent to rebuild diplomatic relations with New Delhi. Carney’s government took office in March, following the exit of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose tenure was marred by tensions with India over alleged support for pro-Khalistani groups operating on Canadian soil.
“As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigor, guided by mutual respect and shared interests,” PM Modi said ahead of his departure.
Why This Visit Matters
The visit carries global significance, not just for its diplomatic implications, but also because it comes at a time of intense geopolitical turmoil, including the Israel-Iran conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and economic instability driven by U.S. trade tensions.
PM Modi’s presence at the G7 Outreach Sessions, despite India not being a G7 member, reflects the country’s increasing global stature. He has been invited to every G7 Summit since 2019, underscoring India’s expanding influence in global governance.
But more notably, all eyes are on Modi’s possible meeting with PM Mark Carney, with both governments signaling readiness to “explore pathways” for resetting ties. In 2023, diplomatic relations had hit an all-time low when Canada accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar’s killing, prompting reciprocal expulsions of diplomats.
Following Trudeau’s departure, India expressed hope for “mutual trust and sensitivity” going forward. Back-channel talks between security officials have resumed, and both sides are considering the appointment of new high commissioners.
Also Read: Canada’s New Citizenship Bill is Here! What Does It Means for Indians
PM Modi’s G7 Schedule (India Time):
- June 17 (12:06 AM): Arrival in Calgary
- June 17 (10:30 PM): G7 Welcome Ceremony
- June 17-18 (11:10 PM – 12:20 AM): Bilateral Meetings
- June 18 (12:30 AM – 03:00 AM): G7 Outreach Summit Session
- June 18 (03:00 AM – 04:30 AM): Additional Bilateral Meetings
- June 18 (05:50 AM): Departure to Zagreb, Croatia
Bilateral Ties in Numbers
In 2024, bilateral trade in goods between India and Canada stood at USD 8.6 billion:
- India exported: USD 4.2 billion
- India imported: USD 4.4 billion
Trade in services reached USD 14.3 billion, with India exporting USD 2.5 billion and importing USD 11.8 billion in services.
G7 Summit Agenda
This year’s G7 Summit takes place amid mounting global crises:
- Ongoing Israel-Iran missile strikes
- A volatile Russia-Ukraine war
- Economic disruptions due to U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump
Discussions are expected to center around conflict resolution, global security, economic stability, and climate resilience, with India’s voice playing a crucial balancing role, especially as it remains a bridge between the Global North and South.
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