NATIONAL: India Not Invited to G7 Summit for First Time in Six Years
No G7 Invitation for India Ahead of Alberta Summit
For the first time in six years, India is absent from the invitation list for the upcoming G7 Summit, scheduled to take place in Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17. As of now, there has been no official communication from the Canadian government extending an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the annual gathering of global leaders.
This break in tradition marks a notable deviation from previous summits, where India consistently participated as a special invitee under various G7 presidencies since 2019.
Congress Labels It a Diplomatic Setback
The Indian National Congress has criticized the development, calling it a serious diplomatic setback. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh remarked that India’s exclusion highlights a weakening of India’s global stature and follows previous concerns over U.S. involvement in India-Pakistan matters.
He recalled that during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, India was regularly invited to G8 and G7 summits. According to Ramesh, the continuity of invitations post-2014 has now been disrupted for the first time in six years.
Summit Agenda: Global Conflict and Security
The 2025 G7 Summit in Alberta is expected to focus on critical international issues, including:
- Russia–Ukraine war
- West Asia conflict
- Global economic volatility
- Energy security
- Indo-Pacific strategy
Confirmed participants include the leaders of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada. Extended invitees this year include Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, and Australia.
Outreach to Non-G7 Nations: A Missed Opportunity
Although India is not a formal member of the G7, it has historically been included through the G7 Outreach Program, which seeks participation from major developing nations. In 2023, India attended the G7 Summit in Italy, alongside countries from Africa, South America, and the Global South.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also attended last year’s summit, underscoring the G7’s aim to broaden global cooperation.
Geopolitical Tensions May Have Played a Role
While official reasons for India’s non-invitation remain unclear, diplomatic observers suggest ongoing tensions between India and Canada—particularly over issues involving Khalistani separatists and bilateral diplomatic strain—could be contributing factors. Even if a late invitation is extended, sources indicate Prime Minister Modi is unlikely to attend.
Conclusion: Diplomatic Realignment or Strategic Pause?
India’s absence from this year’s G7 Summit raises questions about its evolving foreign policy strategy and its current standing in global multilateral frameworks. Whether this is a temporary diplomatic pause or a deeper realignment remains to be seen.