G7 Summit 2025 in Canada Day 1: INDIA Steals the Show & Trump’s Early Exit

The G7 Summit 2025, held in the scenic Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, from June 16-17, 2025, was a whirlwind of diplomacy, drama, and defining moments. For Indian readers, Day 1 was a proud showcase of India’s rising global influence, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s sudden departure added an unexpected twist, leaving the world talking. Here’s a look into the major happenings, with a focus on India’s performance.

India’s Star Turn at the G7

India, though not a G7 member, has become a regular invitee, reflecting its growing economic and geopolitical weight. PM Modi’s sixth consecutive appearance at the G7 Summit on June 16, 2025, was a testament to India’s role as a global powerhouse. His attendance was especially significant given the strained India-Canada relations following the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh activist. Despite this backdrop, Modi accepted Canadian PM Mark Carney’s invitation, signaling India’s commitment to diplomacy and global cooperation.

India-Canada Ties and Reactions: Modi’s visit also helped ease India-Canada relations, which had been tense. The Hindustan Times reports that India and Canada “are looking to mend their strained relationship,” with Modi’s trip seen as a fresh start. Back in Canada, leaders of the Indian community welcomed Modi’s invite. Vancouver lawmaker Dallas Brodie praised the meeting, saying “Canada could do nothing but benefit from a positive relationship with India.” She called India a “great nation” and hoped Modi’s talks with Carney would bring stronger ties. These local voices show Canada sees value in being friends with India.

Modi’s presence wasn’t just symbolic, it was impactful. He emphasised India’s role as the world’s largest democracy and its contributions during its 2023 G20 presidency. In a speech, he said, “India has always been willing to use this opportunity for global good and will remain so in future too,” highlighting India’s readiness to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations.

Modi’s Bilateral Meetings

Modi made the most of Day 1, holding a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders to strengthen ties and address global challenges. Here’s a snapshot of his key engagements:

Leader	Country/Organization	Key Discussion Points
Cyril Ramaphosa	South Africa	Global South issues, bilateral cooperation
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva	Brazil	Challenges for developing nations, trade ties
Ursula von der Leyen	European Commission	EU-India collaboration in tech and innovation
Friedrich Merz	Germany	Counter-terrorism, condolences for Ahmedabad crash
Emmanuel Macron	France	Strategic partnership, climate initiatives
Claudia Sheinbaum	Mexico	Economic cooperation, cultural ties
Lee Jae-myung	South Korea	Special strategic partnership, tech collaboration

These meetings showcased India’s proactive diplomacy. Modi’s talks with Ramaphosa and Lula focused on amplifying the Global South’s voice, while his discussion with von der Leyen explored tech-driven partnerships. His meeting with Merz, the new German Chancellor, included a shared commitment to fight terrorism, a priority for India.

The Modi-Trump Phone Call: A Diplomatic Highlight

One of the summit’s most talked-about moments was a 35-minute phone call between PM Modi and President Trump. During the call, Modi revealed a significant detail: India had paused its military strikes on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor only after Islamabad’s request. Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attacks, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Modi’s decision to halt further strikes showcased India’s restraint and strategic thinking, earning respect from Trump.

The call wasn’t just about Pakistan. It reinforced the strong India-US partnership, with both leaders discussing counter-terrorism and regional stability. Trump reportedly invited Modi to visit the US after the summit, though Modi declined due to prior commitments. This exchange highlighted mutual trust and India’s growing influence in US foreign policy.

Trump’s Dramatic Exit

While India was making waves, President Trump created a stir by leaving the summit early on June 16. Citing the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Trump boarded Air Force One back to Washington, leaving the G7 leaders to carry on without him. His departure was abrupt, described as “dramatic” by observers, and it disrupted the summit’s agenda.

Trump was scheduled to join a critical group discussion on Ukraine and meet privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. His absence meant these talks proceeded without US input, a significant setback given America’s role in supporting Ukraine. Before leaving, Trump signed a broad statement on the Middle East, urging de-escalation, but his early exit overshadowed this gesture.

Reactions to Trump’s Departure

Trump’s exit left the G7 leaders in a tough spot. Canadian PM Mark Carney, hosting his first G7 Summit, had to quickly adjust the agenda to keep discussions on track. The summit effectively became a G6 for Day 2, with leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and British PM Keir Starmer stepping up to fill the gap. While some expressed disappointment over Trump’s absence, others acknowledged the urgency of the Middle East crisis.

The reactions varied:

• Mark Carney (Canada): Maintained composure, focusing on trade and tech discussions to salvage the summit.

• Emmanuel Macron (France): Emphasized the need for G7 unity despite Trump’s exit, pushing for climate and security talks.

• Volodymyr Zelensky (Ukraine): Expressed frustration, as Trump’s absence impacted Ukraine-focused discussions.

• Keir Starmer (UK): Noted the importance of continuing dialogue, planning bilateral talks with Carney post-summit.

The G7 leaders adapted, but Trump’s departure raised questions about the group’s ability to act cohesively in times of crisis.

India’s Broader Impact

Beyond Modi’s meetings and the Trump call, India’s participation had a broader impact. PM Modi’s emphasis on technology, energy security, and counter-terrorism resonated with the G7’s agenda, which included “Building energy security and accelerating the digital transition” and “Securing the partnerships of the future”. India’s economy, now larger than four G7 members, added weight to its contributions.

Modi’s visit also marked a step toward thawing India-Canada ties. His meeting with Carney was described as “very important” by Modi, who expressed hope for renewed cooperation. This was a diplomatic win, given the Nijjar controversy and Canada’s initial hesitation to invite India.

Global Context and Challenges

The G7 Summit 2025 unfolded against a backdrop of global tensions. The Israel-Iran conflict dominated discussions, with leaders issuing a joint statement urging de-escalation. Trade disputes, driven by Trump’s tariffs on G7 members like Canada, also loomed large. The Russia-Ukraine war remained a key focus, though Trump’s exit limited progress on this front.

India’s balanced approach engaging with both Western and Global South leaders, positioned it as a mediator in these complex dynamics. Modi’s call with Trump and his meetings with G7 leaders showed India’s ability to navigate global challenges while advancing its interests.

Conclusion

Day 1 of the G7 Summit 2025 was a defining moment for India. PM Modi’s diplomatic marathon, from bilateral meetings to his candid call with Trump, showcased India’s strength, restraint, and global leadership. Trump’s early exit, while disruptive, couldn’t overshadow India’s achievements. As the world grapples with conflicts and crises, India’s steady presence at the G7 proved it’s not just a participant, it’s a leader shaping the future.

What’s Next: On Day 2, leaders will tackle big topics like the economy and energy security. PM Modi is set to hold talks with Germany’s Chancellor Merz and others. While Trump is back in the U.S., G7 members say they will continue their work. Modi’s focus on the Global South and his many meetings mean India’s influence is growing. As one Canadian politician noted, strong ties with India “reduces barriers” and benefits both countries. With trade plans in the air, India has started the G7 week on a very strong note.

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SOURCES : HINDUSTANTIMES , financialexpress.com ,  TIMESOFINDIA , abc7ny.com