Modi-Carney Meet at G7 Could Redefine Indo-Canadian Ties and Global Alliances

Paromita Das
New Delhi, 18th June:  In the summer of 2025, amidst the looming Rockies of Alberta, diplomacy found its rhythm in the cool mountain air. A phone call on June 6, 2025, rewrote a chapter long frayed and fraught with tension — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney extended a personal invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 summit. PM Modi’s acceptance, marked by his optimistic post on X, sparked headlines around the world.

But the story runs deeper than a diplomatic call. It is a tale of mistrust, allegations, and ultimately, a recalibration of global alliances. The path to Alberta wasn’t a straight line — it was carved through political frost, strategic interests, and the powerful undertow of global realignment.

A Thorny Past: Why This Invitation Matters

The Indo-Canadian relationship has rarely been this strained. Since 2023, after the chilling allegations by then PM Justin Trudeau linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, relations plummeted. Diplomatic expulsions followed swiftly, and mutual trust took a hit. Bharat denounced the accusations as “absurd,” and for a while, both sides stood at an impasse.

But Carney is not Trudeau. And the G7 invitation signals an attempt to rebuild what was nearly broken.

Sub-Point: The Nijjar Shadow Still Lingers

Despite extending the olive branch, Carney faced domestic backlash. Critics questioned the optics of inviting Modi, asking pointedly — “What message does this send?” Carney, with support from the other G7 nations, maintained a pragmatic view. “India is central to supply chains and geopolitical balance,” he stated. His words echo a broader Western consensus: cooperation with Bharat is no longer optional — it’s essential.

G7: A Strategic Stage for Bharat

Bharat is not a G7 member, but its presence is far from symbolic. This marks the sixth time Bharat will be at the table. Why? Because the world needs Bharat — for its economy, its strategic location, and its growing influence in global governance.

Sub-Point: Addressing Energy, Security, and Trade

G7 leaders are leaning into Bharat’s strength to confront major issues — energy transitions, critical mineral supply, and countering Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific. Bharat’s position has become more prominent post its rise to the fourth-largest economy and its leadership in forums like the Quad.

Modi is expected to discuss Bharat’s post-“Operation Sindoor” security stance, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack in April. He will also address Bharat’s recent operations that dismantled terror camps in PoJK, asserting Bharat’s regional dominance and its no-compromise stance on terrorism.

What Bharat Brings to the G7 Table

Bharat’s rise in global affairs isn’t just economic — it’s political and ideological too. With the United Nations gridlocked between US-China tensions, Bharat offers a balanced, democratic voice from the Global South.

Sub-Point: Championing the Global South

Bharat’s participation represents the voices of emerging economies, often underrepresented in elite clubs like G7. With its massive population and diverse democratic fabric, Bharat reflects the aspirations of billions. This makes Bharat a necessary voice in discussions about climate change, digital governance, and global health.

The US-Bharat Trade Puzzle: A Quiet Storm

Another subplot unfolds in Alberta — the tentative thawing of US-Bharat trade tensions. Under President Donald Trump’s second term, tariffs had returned, souring trade sentiments. However, behind closed doors, four days of intensive talks before the summit hint at a breakthrough.

Sub-Point: Eyes on Market Access and Digital Trade

The mid-conclave meeting between Modi and Trump will likely be pivotal. Discussions are expected to revolve around tariff relaxations, market access, and digital cooperation. A renewed trade framework could redefine Indo-US ties in this decade.

A Calculated Reset, Not a Full Embrace

Let’s be clear — this is not a romantic reunion. It’s a strategic reset.

Carney’s outreach does not erase past accusations, nor does Modi’s acceptance gloss over the insults endured. But in international relations, pragmatism often trumps sentiment. As both leaders acknowledge shared democratic values, the G7 summit becomes not just a platform for discussion, but a stage for recalibration.

What’s unfolding is not just diplomacy — it’s diplomacy under the shadow of realpolitik. Both Bharat and Canada are hedging their bets, trying to balance domestic pressures with international imperatives.

A New Chapter, Written in Alberta

As PM Modi prepares to meet the world’s most powerful leaders in Alberta, the message is loud and clear — Bharat is not just participating in global affairs; it is helping shape them. PM Carney’s invite, under pressure and scrutiny, reveals a significant truth: Bharat cannot be ignored.

For Canada, this summit is a chance at redemption. For Bharat, it’s an opportunity to showcase leadership. And for the world, it’s a reminder that diplomacy, even when strained, always finds a way.