Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Canada for the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, as part of his ongoing four-day visit across Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia. He was warmly welcomed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the summit venue, with both leaders holding bilateral talks that emphasized deepening ties between India and Canada. PM Modi expressed gratitude for the G7 invitation and noted the strong investment links and shared democratic values between the two nations.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held several high-level meetings with world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
This was PM Modi’s first meeting with Germany's newly appointed Chancellor Merz, where both leaders discussed the global threat of terrorism and reaffirmed their cooperation in counter-terrorism and financial crime prevention. Modi thanked Germany for its support following a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad and highlighted ongoing collaborations in technology and security.
In another significant engagement, PM Modi met Claudia Sheinbaum, the first female President of Mexico in two centuries. They explored collaboration in key sectors including agriculture, semiconductors, digital innovation, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. Modi congratulated Sheinbaum on her historic win and emphasized strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Mexico.
The Indian Prime Minister also held strategic talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. The two leaders reaffirmed their Special Strategic Partnership and discussed cooperation in green hydrogen, emerging tech, shipbuilding, and people-to-people exchanges. Modi called the conversation a step forward in bilateral innovation and trade.
In a warm and symbolic gesture, PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron greeted each other with a hug, underscoring the strength of the Indo-French relationship. Other notable bilateral meetings included discussions with leaders of the UK, Italy, South Africa, and Australia, all of which aimed at reinforcing India’s global role in areas like sustainable development, security, and technological innovation.
Modi’s presence at the G7 reflects India’s growing influence on the global stage, particularly following its G20 presidency. He emphasized India's commitment to democratic values and its readiness to contribute to global peace, stability, and development through collaborative diplomacy and strategic partnerships.
