KKN Gurugram Desk | The 51st G7 Summit, scheduled from June 15 to 17, 2025, in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, marks a significant shift in India’s engagement with the group. For the first time since 2019, India has not been invited to participate, signaling potential strains in diplomatic relations, particularly between India and Canada.

Understanding the G7

The Group of Seven (G7) is an intergovernmental political and economic forum comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These nations represent some of the world’s largest advanced economies and convene annually to discuss global issues, including economic policy, security, and climate change. While the European Union is not an official member, it participates in all discussions.

India’s Historical Participation

Although not a member, India has been a regular invitee to the G7 Summits since 2019, reflecting its growing global influence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent presence underscored India’s strategic partnerships with G7 nations. The only exception was in 2020 when the summit was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2025 Summit and India’s Exclusion

This year’s summit, hosted by Canada, has extended invitations to countries like Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Ukraine, and Mexico. Notably, India has not received an invitation, breaking its recent streak of participation. This exclusion has raised questions about the underlying reasons and potential diplomatic ramifications.

Strained India-Canada Relations

The absence of an invitation is widely attributed to deteriorating relations between India and Canada. In 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistan activist. India dismissed these allegations as baseless, leading to a diplomatic standoff. Subsequent events, including the expulsion of diplomats and public protests, further strained ties.

Domestic Pressures in Canada

Canadian Sikh organizations have reportedly urged the government not to invite Prime Minister Modi to the summit, citing concerns over India’s human rights record and the Nijjar incident. This domestic pressure may have influenced Canada’s decision to exclude India from the guest list.

India’s Response

While the Indian government has not officially commented on the lack of invitation, sources suggest that even if an invitation were extended, logistical challenges and security concerns might prevent Prime Minister Modi from attending. The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that there is “no information” regarding any potential visit to Canada for the summit.

Implications for India’s Global Standing

India’s absence from the G7 Summit could have broader implications for its global diplomacy. Participation in such forums provides opportunities to engage with world leaders on pressing issues. Exclusion may limit India’s influence in shaping global policies and narratives.

India’s non-invitation to the 2025 G7 Summit underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the impact of bilateral tensions on multilateral engagements. As global dynamics evolve, maintaining open channels of communication and addressing underlying issues remain crucial for fostering collaborative international relations.