Prime Minister Narendra Modi Set to Attend 51st Summit in Canada

This year’s G7 Summit, held in Kananaskis, Alberta (Canada) on June 16–17, 2025, marks a major milestone — the 50th anniversary of the G7’s formation. Canada has assumed the presidency for the seventh time, and the summit will reflect on five decades of economic cooperation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Although India is not a G7 member, PM Modi will be attending for the sixth time, reinforcing India’s role on the global stage.

What is the G7? Understanding the World’s Elite Economic Group

The G7, or Group of Seven, is an informal bloc of advanced economies—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. These leaders meet annually to discuss economic and geopolitical challenges. Each year, the presidency rotates among members who also decide the agenda. Canada, holding the presidency in 2025, has the responsibility to organize the summit and related ministerial meetings.

A Brief History of the G7 and Its Evolution Over 50 Years

Initially formed as the G6 in 1975, the group became the G7 when Canada joined in 1976. Russia was part of the group from 1998 to 2014, making it G8 briefly. The G7 countries together represent nearly 45% of global GDP and about 10% of the world’s population. There’s an ongoing discussion about expanding the G7 to include emerging economies such as India and China, possibly evolving into a G10 or D10 (Democracies 10).

From Economics to Global Issues: How the G7 Has Grown

Originally focused on economic issues, the G7 now tackles global challenges like climate change, security, counter-terrorism, public health, and education. Since 2003, Outreach Sessions have invited participation from developing nations, especially from Asia and Africa. These inclusive engagements also involve non-governmental stakeholders through various engagement groups—business leaders, civil society, youth, and academia—who provide policy recommendations to the G7 leaders.

India’s Consistent Presence in G7 Outreach Sessions

India has participated in eleven G7 Outreach Summits to date, from 2003 to 2024. Every time, the Indian Prime Minister has led the delegation, showing India’s increasing relevance in global conversations. PM Modi’s presence in 2025 marks India’s 12th G7 appearance, reinforcing our voice on critical international issues.

Key Focus Areas of G7 Summit 2025: What’s on the Table?

This year, the G7 Outreach Session will focus on:

• Strengthening global peace and countering threats like foreign interference and organized crime.
• Enhancing energy security and boosting digital innovation via AI and quantum technologies.
• Fostering future-ready partnerships to drive infrastructure investment, create well-paying jobs, and unlock open markets.

Why the G7 Is Increasingly Turning Towards India

India’s growing economic and geopolitical stature is hard to ignore. India is now economically larger than France, Italy, and Canada—three G7 members. As the former G20 president in 2023, India also positioned itself as a leading voice for the Global South. India’s interventions at past summits have consistently highlighted issues that matter to developing nations, making it a key ally in future G7 discussions.

Recap of PM Modi’s Role in the 2024 G7 Summit

During the 2024 G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, PM Modi participated in critical dialogues on artificial intelligence, energy sustainability, and developments across Africa and the Mediterranean. The summit offered a meaningful platform for shared perspectives between G7 nations and Outreach participants to collectively address global concerns.

What to Expect From Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’s Visit in 2025

At the upcoming 51st G7 Summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines, enhancing India's diplomatic ties and building new collaborations. His visit underscores India's ambition to be a part of global decision-making forums and help shape a secure, equitable world order.

(Dr. Vivek Bhatt, Channel Head at Hind First Network, is on ground in Canada, covering the G7 Summit. With a journalistic career spanning 15 years, he has covered over 18 high-level bilateral meetings involving India.)