Latest news with #51stG7Summit
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
India's invitation to G7 reflects Canada's desire to reset ties
Written by Vandana Mishra, Radhika Gupta On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi, on X, confirmed his attendance at the 51st G7 Summit, scheduled from June 15 to 17, in Kananaskis, Canada. This marks the sixth consecutive occasion that India has been invited to this grouping of advanced industrial economies, comprising the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Japan. PM Modi first participated in the Summit in 2019 in France and has attended each year since. This reflects India's rising global stature, growing economic influence, and its role as a key geopolitical actor. However, the 2025 invitation carries added significance, having arrived against the backdrop of a strained relationship. The invite — conveyed via a call by Canada's newly elected Prime Minister, Mark Carney — marks a shift in bilateral dynamics after ties reached a nadir under Justin Trudeau's tenure. Although the invitation came through at the eleventh hour, it is expected to play a crucial role in rebuilding the relationship as PM Modi visits Canada next week. It represents a promising start to the reset under Carney. Trudeau, who had accused India of involvement in the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, precipitated the worst diplomatic fallout in the history of India–Canada relations. Carney, however — an economist by training — recognises the trade potential between the two nations, especially as Canada seeks to diversify its partnerships and reduce over-reliance on the United States. Following a congratulatory tweet from PM Modi and calls between the foreign ministers of both countries, the G7 invitation appears a natural step forward in mending ties. Carney, who still relies on much of the same party machinery as Trudeau, is navigating a diplomatic tightrope between domestic political pressures and international strategic considerations. When asked about his rationale for inviting India despite an ongoing Canadian investigation involving Indian officials, he pointed to India's immense economic significance, describing it as the 'fifth-largest economy in the world' and 'effectively the most populous country.' Beyond its size, he highlighted India's strategic importance, particularly its centrality to global supply chains. He stressed that India's presence is 'essential for discussions on global priorities such as energy security, critical minerals, and infrastructure partnerships.' He also acknowledged the 'strong push from the other G7 countries to have India at the table.' Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre endorsed the invitation, emphasising the need to promote Canadian natural gas, civilian nuclear technology, and other resource projects in India, as well as the importance of collaboration on trade and security. Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, also a Conservative, recently urged Canada to renew its ties with India. Arguing that India is an indispensable partner in a volatile world, Harper recommended that all Canadian political parties sever ties with activists advocating for a separate Sikh nation. This illustrates bipartisan support for strengthening India-Canada relations, though the New Democratic Party — until recently led by Jagmeet Singh — has criticised Carney's invitation to India as inappropriate. Carney has so far handled the situation adeptly, assuring critics that the Nijjar investigation remains ongoing and that India's participation in the G7 is both a diplomatic necessity and a geopolitical imperative, without obstructing legal processes. Nevertheless, organisations such as Sikhs for Justice and the World Sikh Organisation have launched online campaigns across Canada, demanding that the government rescind the invitation and preparing to stage protests at the G7 venue during PM Modi's visit. The real test of Carney's political acumen will lie in how he manages these disruptions while preserving the momentum towards reconciliation. Carney's efforts to de-hyphenate domestic politics from international diplomacy could go a long way in repairing relations. At a time when the West is grappling with China, the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, and rising uncertainty from a potential Trump return, India's presence at the G7 serves as a stabilising factor. India is not only a counterbalance to China in the Indo-Pacific but is also increasingly acting as a bridge between the West and the Global South. Carney's invitation, therefore, signals both a bold move by Canada and the growing weight of India's global credentials as the world's fastest-growing major economy, whose participation is critical to the effective functioning of multilateral forums. Vandana Mishra is Professor, Centre for Political studies , School of Social Sciences, JNU. Radhika Gupta is a Doctoral Research Scholar, Centre for the Study of the Americas, School of International Studies, JNU
News18
7 days ago
- Business
- News18
Canada PM Carney Dials PM Modi, Invites Him To G7 Summit In Kananaskis
Last Updated: PM Modi thanked Canada PM Carney for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had a 'warm" conversation with newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, congratulating him on his recent electoral victory and confirming his participation in the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: 'Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month." He added that India and Canada, as 'vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties," would work together 'with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests." Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 6, 2025 PM Modi said he was looking forward to their meeting at the summit. Mark Carney, a former central banker and climate finance advocate, became Canada's Prime Minister after leading the Liberal Party to victory in the recent general election. The 51st G7 Summit will take place from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Canada, marking the second time the town will host the global gathering- the first being in 2002. This year's summit is especially significant as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the G7, a group comprising the world's most advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union also participates in the discussions. Under Prime Minister Mark Carney's leadership, the summit will focus on a range of urgent issues, including global peace and security, economic resilience, climate action and digital transformation. Guest nations invited to the summit, other than India, include Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Ukraine. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" First Published:
Toronto Sun
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Kananaskis golf course getting ready for G7, possible Trump visit
Published Jun 05, 2025 • 3 minute read People take in the view and take photos behind Kananaskis Lodge in Kananaskis Village, Alberta, the future site of the 51st G7 Summit in June, in Alberta on May 19, 2025. Photo by COLE BURSTON / AFP via Getty Images KANANASKIS — Darren Robinson had some very important news to tell U.S. president George Bush and Jose Maria Aznar, the prime minister of Spain. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. 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Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The pro shop was open. Aznar had told Robinson, general manager of the Kananaskis Country Golf Club in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, that he wanted to visit the shop. True to his word, Robinson walked over to the two world leaders on a patio and interrupted their conversation. 'What was probably only 10 seconds felt like 10 minutes,' Robinson recalled of the G8 leaders' summit in 2002 in Kananaskis. He said the pair paused their discussion, and Bush waved over British prime minister Tony Blair. The four then talked about golf, running, the mountains, as the other leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, chatted ahead of a dinner at the golf club. 'I'm like, somebody pinch me. It's really happening,' Robinson said. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Twenty-three years later, Robinson is again teeing up to possibly host some of the world's most powerful people for the G7 leaders' summit in Kananaskis set for June 15-17. The golf club is included in the tightly controlled perimeter that will be closed to public access during the summit and is one of two primary locations the leaders could use. The summit is being hosted by the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, a short drive from the course. There's speculation U.S. President Donald Trump, with his known affection for golf, could tee off on the scenic course that sits at the foot of Mount Kidd. Trump even owns Kananaskis Country Golf Club merchandise. Prime Minister Mark Carney gifted the president a hat and gear from the club during his first White House visit in early May. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Requests for comment to the White House and the Prime Minister's Office about whether Trump or Carney would get in a golf game at the summit were not returned. RECOMMENDED VIDEO The summit's itinerary hasn't been shared publicly. And if history informs Robinson's expectations, any activities involving leaders at the course would be spontaneous. Robinson remembers one afternoon in 2002, when he mentioned to Jean Chretien, touring the club before an upcoming dinner, that it was a shame the prime minister didn't have time to play. '(Chretien) says, 'Who says I don't have time?' And he starts taking off his tie and jacket,' said Robinson, mimicking Chretien's French accent. Chretien hit two clean shots on his way to the putting green, said Robinson. But on the third shot, a short chip to get on the green, the prime minister accidentally nicked a divot out of the grass before making contact with the ball. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Before the ball even stops rolling, he reaches into his pocket, drops another one, hits that nicely onto the green,' Robinson said. 'And then he looks at me and says, 'I call that a Clinton.'' Chretien, after dropping the reference to former U.S. president Bill Clinton, played three more holes before getting back to work, said Robinson. He added that several interactions he had with Bush were personal highlights of the summit. It was a year after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. U.S. staffers asked Robinson to draw up a five-kilometre loop the president could run the next morning. When Bush arrived early the next day in his sneakers, he asked if a woman at the club dressed in athletic gear would jog with him, said Robinson. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Now I'm filming the two of them walking up. And president Bush says to me, 'You set me up with an Olympic runner.'' Months later, Robinson received a manila envelope in the mail from the White House with a letter signed by Bush thanking him for the stay and a photo of the two of them talking on the club patio. This year, Robinson said he'll be on the course waiting to help, but isn't expecting a 2002 repeat. 'You hope that there's any opportunity to have some similar and memorable experiences,' he said while standing at a tee box overlooking the 16th hole on the course. 'If they happen, great. That would be wonderful. And if they don't, they don't.' NHL Columnists Columnists Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls
