Bharat’s G7 Invitation: Strategic Diplomacy, Political Misfires, and the Rising Global Role of New Delhi

Paromita Das
New Delhi, 9th June:  In a world increasingly defined by multipolar dynamics and fragmented alliances, Bharat’s steady ascent as a key voice in global decision-making has once again been affirmed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an official invitation to attend the 2025 G7 Summit in Canada, scheduled to take place from June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. This summit, hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, will address pressing global concerns such as climate resilience, artificial intelligence regulation, geopolitical realignment, and economic recovery. Bharat’s inclusion, despite not being a formal G7 member, speaks volumes about its evolving global stature.

The invitation underscores Bharat’s pivotal role as a bridge between the Global North and South, particularly as global institutions seek to recalibrate in response to technological disruption, climate change, and shifting trade patterns. Yet this diplomatic moment was momentarily marred by domestic political miscalculation. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh prematurely declared Modi’s exclusion from the G7, attempting to paint it as a failure of Bharatiya diplomacy. His statement, which was soon proven factually incorrect, not only backfired but also reignited debates about the politicization of foreign policy in Bharat.

Bharat’s Foreign Policy in a Post-G20 Era

Bharat’s growing diplomatic footprint did not begin with this G7 invite. Its presidency of the G20 in 2023 was widely viewed as a success, highlighting the country’s ability to broker dialogue across ideological divides. Bharat championed climate financing, inclusive digital growth, and global health equity, positioning itself as a mature, pragmatic global actor. This evolution has been marked by what some analysts term “multi-alignment”—a strategy that allows Bharat to cooperate with the U.S. and Europe, engage constructively with Russia, and speak for developing nations, all while maintaining its strategic autonomy.

Against this backdrop, the G7 invitation carries a dual significance. It is a symbol of Bharat’s expanding influence and an operational necessity for the bloc. As G7 countries grapple with the rise of China, the restructuring of global supply chains, and the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy shifts, Bharat emerges as a stabilizing force—both geographically and ideologically.

According to a 2024 report by the Lowy Institute, Bharat’s diplomatic network is now the fifth largest in the world, reflecting its growing ambition and recognition abroad. Its defense cooperation with QUAD partners, leadership in forums like BRICS and SCO, and contributions to peacekeeping and climate diplomacy all affirm its broadening global footprint.

The Premature Congress Critique

Amid these developments, Jairam Ramesh’s critique appeared hasty and politically tone-deaf. Before any official confirmation had been issued, he publicly ridiculed Modi, claiming the G7 had chosen to ignore Bharat’s leader. Describing Modi as the “self-proclaimed Vishwaguru,” Ramesh suggested that Bharat’s global clout had diminished, using the presumed lack of invitation as evidence. But the narrative collapsed within hours, when the Canadian government announced its formal invitation to Modi, reaffirming Bharat’s role as a key dialogue partner.

Such missteps have become a recurring theme in Congress’s foreign policy discourse. Instead of presenting a nuanced alternative to the government’s external strategy, the party often appears to engage in reactive and unverified commentary. Foreign policy experts and commentators were quick to point out the dangers of trivializing major diplomatic moments for short-term political gain. Bharat’s global image, they argued, is built on long-term engagement—not fleeting press releases or social media posturing.

More critically, such gaffes risk undermining the bipartisan consensus that has traditionally underpinned Bharat’s international relations. While domestic politics are necessarily competitive, foreign policy achievements are generally seen as national, not partisan, victories. In failing to recognize this distinction, Congress may be eroding its own credibility as a future governing force.

Bharat’s Stake in the 2025 G7 Agenda

Modi’s presence at the G7 summit is not just about optics—it is about shaping policy. With AI regulation at the top of the agenda, Bharat’s role as both a tech hub and a vocal advocate for data sovereignty will be crucial. Its concerns over algorithmic bias, surveillance, and cross-border data flows will help shape more inclusive frameworks.

Climate change will be another area where Bharat’s participation is vital. As one of the world’s largest emitters but also a leader in renewable energy adoption, Bharat offers a pragmatic voice on balancing development needs with environmental responsibilities. Its work with the International Solar Alliance, as well as its advocacy for green financing for the Global South, aligns well with the G7’s sustainability goals.

In the realm of global trade and supply chains, Bharat has become a preferred destination for manufacturing diversification. In the wake of China’s economic decoupling from the West, Bharat’s robust labor market, infrastructure push, and digital innovation make it a natural alternative. G7 members are increasingly looking to deepen their economic and strategic ties with Bharat, and this summit could further institutionalize such cooperation.

A Diplomatic Win, and a Cautionary Tale

The G7 invitation to Prime Minister Modi should be recognized as a diplomatic endorsement of Bharat’s rising influence, not just a moment of pride for the government but a broader affirmation of the country’s importance on the global stage. This recognition is the result of years of calculated positioning, institutional reform, and multilateral engagement.

For the opposition, particularly the Congress Party, this episode should be an inflection point. Constructive criticism of foreign policy is vital in a democracy—but it must be grounded in facts, not fueled by the impulse for partisan point-scoring. When national interests are at stake, nuance, verification, and maturity are essential.

As Bharat returns to the G7 table, it brings with it not only its demographic heft and market power but also the hopes of millions across the Global South. Whether on technology, trade, or climate, Bharat is not just participating—it is shaping the conversation. That is a reality the world now accepts, and one that domestic actors must learn to respect.