KKN Gurugram Desk | Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the upcoming G7 Summit 2025, scheduled to take place in Kananaskis, Canada, from 15–17 June 2025. This participation comes following an official invitation extended by Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark J. Carney. While India is not a formal member of the G7, it has been regularly invited to participate in recent years as a guest country.

But this raises some key questions:

• What exactly is the G7?

• Why is India not a member?

• Does the G7 hold any legal power?

• And why is this summit still globally relevant?

Let’s break it down.

What Is G7 and Why Was It Formed?

The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal bloc of seven of the world’s most advanced and industrialized economies. The member countries are:

• United States

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• France

• Germany

• Italy

• Japan

Originally formed in 1975, the G7 emerged in response to the oil crisis and global economic instability caused by OPEC’s oil embargoes. Initially, it began with six members—USA, UK, France, Germany (then West Germany), Italy, and Japan. Canada joined in 1976, completing the present seven-member structure.

 What About Russia?

Russia was briefly part of an extended version known as the G8, but was expelled in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea, a move condemned by many in the West.

?? Why Is India Not a G7 Member?

Although India is now the world’s fifth-largest economy, it was far from that status when G7 was created. Here’s why India wasn’t included—and still isn’t:

1. Historical Context: In the 1970s, India was still a developing nation, grappling with poverty, low foreign investment, and economic instability.

2. Original Objective: The G7 was specifically designed for the richest industrial nations to discuss economic policy coordination.

3. Static Membership: Unlike groups like BRICS or G20, the G7 does not accept new permanent members. It remains a closed circle.

4. Invite-Only Participation: Non-members like India can attend only when host nations extend invitations.

Despite not being a member, India has participated in nearly every G7 Summit since 2019. PM Modi’s regular presence signifies India’s growing strategic and economic importance on the global stage.

 G7 Summit 2025: What’s on the Agenda?

Hosted this year by Canada, which holds the G7 presidency for 2025, the summit is expected to cover pressing global issues:

• Global economic stability

• Digital transformation

• Climate change and energy transition

• Geopolitical tensions

• Public health and pandemic preparedness

• International trade and supply chain resilience

Although the G7 has no formal charter or headquarters, its decisions often shape global discourse and influence policy-making worldwide.

 Why Is the G7 Still Relevant?

Critics argue that the G7 is outdated, failing to represent today’s multipolar economic world. However, it still matters for several reasons:

1. Economic Clout: The G7 nations collectively represent over 45% of global GDP.

2. Diplomatic Influence: Their unified stance often sets the tone for international diplomacy, especially on issues like sanctions, climate commitments, and development aid.

3. Strategic Forums: It provides a stage for side meetings, bilateral talks, and informal consensus-building.

4. Institutional Memory: G7 summits have historically produced influential policy ideas—such as debt relief for poorer nations and coordinated financial regulation post-2008 crisis.

While the G7 lacks legal authority to enforce decisions, its recommendations often lead to action through institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and UN bodies.

PM Modi’s Presence: Strategic Diplomacy

PM Modi’s acceptance of the 2025 invitation is part of India’s strategic diplomacy. His participation highlights:

• India’s role as a bridge between developing and developed economies

• Commitment to rules-based international order

• A platform to push issues like energy security, global south development, and technology collaboration

In recent years, India has used the G7 platform to amplify concerns over cybersecurity, terrorism, supply chains, and multilateral reform.

Political Reactions in India

Earlier this year, the absence of an invitation initially stirred political controversy, with opposition parties alleging a diplomatic snub. The invitation by Canada’s new leadership now puts that debate to rest.

Analysts believe that India’s continued presence at such high-level summits reflects its strategic weight rather than formal membership status.

 Does G7 Have Any Legal Power?

No. The G7 is an informal grouping. It does not pass binding resolutions, nor does it have:

• Legal enforcement authority

• A permanent secretariat

• Formal membership criteria or application process

So what does it actually do?

• Shapes global consensus

• Issues joint communiqués outlining common goals

• Influences global financial and security policies

Though not enforceable, G7 decisions carry political weight, often shaping the positions of major international bodies.

 India and Global Forums: Beyond the G7

While India is not part of G7, it plays an active role in:

• G20 (Group of 20) — India hosted the G20 Summit in 2023

• BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)

• SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)

• QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) with the US, Japan, and Australia

These platforms reflect India’s broader approach of engaging with both the West and Global South, while avoiding alignment with any single bloc.

 Future of G7 and India’s Role

There is growing discussion about whether G7 should be expanded or reformed. Suggestions include:

• Converting it into a G10 or G11 by including India, South Korea, and Australia

• Integrating emerging economies for better representation of global interests

But for now, the structure remains unchanged. What’s clear, however, is that India’s voice is increasingly being heard, and its participation is often courted, not questioned.

India may not be a permanent member of the G7, but its consistent invitations, including for the 2025 Summit in Canada, signal one thing — relevance.

In a world of complex interdependence, global leadership is less about formal seats and more about influence, voice, and credibility. And in that regard, India continues to expand its strategic footprint, G7 or not.