Did PM Modi Arrive in Canada for the G7 Summit?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's visit to Canada is a significant step in diplomatic relations.
- Engagement with G7 leaders is crucial for global discussions.
- Canada-India relations are being re-evaluated post previous tensions.
- The summit emphasizes the importance of the Global South's priorities.
- Indo-Canadian community has high hopes for economic cooperation.
Kananaskis (Canada), June 17 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Calgary, Canada, on Monday to take part in the G7 Summit, responding to an invitation from Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by Acting Indian High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik, Canadian officials, and representatives of Canada's First Nation, the indigenous people of the region.
He will proceed to the scenic resort of Kananaskis, where the summit commenced earlier on Monday amidst stringent security, featuring him and other invitees in Tuesday's discussions.
PM Modi's journey included a brief stop in Cyprus, where he engaged in comprehensive discussions on the full spectrum of India-Cyprus relations with President Nikos Christodoulides.
Prior to his departure from India, PM Modi expressed via X that the G7 summit would serve as a significant platform for sharing views on various global challenges and emphasizing the priorities of the Global South.
He is set to engage with G7 leaders including President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Ministers Keir Starmer of Britain, Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Shigeru Ishiba of Japan, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen alongside European Council President Antonio Costa, and host Carney, who also serves as the G7 President.
Notably, PM Modi will not be meeting with US President Donald Trump, as he is shortening his attendance at the summit to return home in response to the Iran-Israel crisis.
Other notable invitees include President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and Lee Jae-Myung of South Korea, alongside Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
This summit provides an excellent opportunity for PM Modi to meet face-to-face with influential leaders from both developed and emerging democracies following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor against terrorist factions operating in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
PM Modi's visit occurs at a crucial juncture for India-Canada relations, which Carney seeks to restore after previous tensions under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, influenced by Khalistan supporters.
Mann Parekh, a member of the Indian diaspora, remarked to IANS, 'It's no secret that Canada-India relations haven't been at their best in recent years. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation brings a glimmer of hope, presenting a chance to reset and enhance ties between the two nations.'
President of the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce, Kushagr Sharma, expressed in an interview with IANS, 'PM Modi's visit signifies a mutual desire for collaboration. This will significantly boost the economic landscape of both nations as trade continues to flourish.'
Excitement is palpable among the Indo-Canadian community regarding PM Modi's visit.
Canada boasts one of the largest diasporas, with 1.8 million Indo-Canadians and one million Indian citizens.