This year the Group of 7 will host its 50th anniversary in Kananaskis, Canada. Under the Canadian presidency, focus will be on protecting communities and the world[1], Building energy security and accelerating the digital transition[2] and Securing the partnerships of the future[3]. Notably the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to participate in the discussions; a move that underscores India’s growing role as a strategic partner for the G7.

India's opportunity

India’s inclusion is no surprise. It is a critical node in global supply chains and a leader in addressing shared challenges. As Canadian PM Mark Carney aptly noted, “made sense to have the fifth largest economy at the table”[4], engaging with India aligns with the G7’s goal of collaborating with like-minded partners on diverse issues. The world today grapples with conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, as well as the persistent threat of state-sponsored terrorism, exemplified by recent escalation in India orchestrated by Pakistan. 

Prime Minister Modi can leverage this platform to galvanize a stronger G7 commitment against terrorism while delivering a clear message to Pakistan. This issue transcends India’s borders; it is a global concern, directly tied to the G7’s mission of safeguarding communities. India should use the summit to advocate against the longstanding use of terrorism as a state policy by Pakistan and press for a tangible outcome in the form of collective action or condemnation. At the same time, India must reiterate that its global engagements should not be viewed through the narrow prism of its ties with Pakistan. It seeks to be recognized and engaged with on its own strategic, economic, and democratic merit.

Beyond security, the summit offers an opportunity to delve into energy security and digital transformation—areas where India has demonstrated exceptional leadership. At last year’s G7 summit in Italy, PM Modi highlighted India’s achievements in energy transition, including becoming the first country to meet its COP commitments ahead of schedule [5]. India’s energy strategy rests on four pillars: availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability[6], an approach that presents a potential win-win for the U.S. Even though former President Trump officially withdrew from COP negotiations, there remains scope for bilateral engagement with India on advancing energy efficiency and sustainable innovation

In the digital realm, initiatives like ‘AI for All’[7], aimed at democratizing artificial intelligence across 22 Indian languages—reflect India’s commitment to reducing inequality (SDG 10) and fostering inclusive growth.

India's strong credentials

India’s credentials as a reliable partner extend to its role in shaping global infrastructure and trade. The Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) are poised to enhance ‘physical, digital and financial connectivity’[8]. It also serves as a platform for India to unlock for economy of scale, in terms of Public-Private partnership, enhancing smoothness of regulatory procedures. India and UAE have established Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) along with its own MAITRI for ‘standardising trade documentation and integrating digital solutions’,[9] ‘streamline trade processes through a data exchange system that facilitates paperless transactions between the two countries.’[10]. India’s reforms, ease of doing business, digital public infrastructure (DPI), and production-linked incentives (PLIs) create a strong foundation for G7 businesses. This can also be replicated with other nations and also address the skill gap, where we partner with others to train and equip young minds. Working groups within the G7 can create Skill Mobility & Innovation Fellowship creating a global talent hub for AI, green tech, cybersecurity, and health innovation.  India can also export talent and training to partner economies in the Indo-Pacific and Africa.

Need for inclusivity

As the G7 marks fifty years of collaboration, critics may dismiss such forums as relics of a bygone era. Yet this view ignores their enduring potential. Informal groupings like the G7 are not obsolete; they are vital hubs for advocacy, provided they evolve. The choice is clear: either reform to include emerging powers like India, or risk fragmentation into a cacophony of issue-based "mini-laterals" that crowd the global stage without delivering tangible progress.

For India, this summit offers a dual opportunity. First, to shape a more inclusive multilateralism; one that amplifies the Global South’s priorities on energy, security, and digital equity. Second, to rebuild strained ties with Canada, a relationship marred by recent tensions but too strategically important to neglect. Diplomatic reengagement on the sidelines of the G7 could pave the way for pragmatic cooperation, particularly in trade, technology, and shared security concerns.

The G7’s strength lies in its ability to unite around shared goals, from combating terrorism to advancing energy transitions, while amplifying the voices of the Global South. By embracing inclusivity and responsibility, it can remain a force for common good. The alternative is a fractured world where collective action gives way to paralysis. Multilateralism is not dead; it simply demands renewal.

[1] https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2025/06/07/prime-minister-carney-announces-canadas-g7-priorities

[2] https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2025/06/07/prime-minister-carney-announces-canadas-g7-priorities

[3] https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2025/06/07/prime-minister-carney-announces-canadas-g7-priorities

[4] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/g7-summit-mark-carney-asked-why-pm-modi-was-invited-heres-how-the-canadian-pm-responded/articleshow/121687282.cms

[5] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2025448

[6] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2025448

[7] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113095#:~:text=Government%20is%20committed%20to%20harnessing,AI%20is%20safe%20and%20trusted.

[8] https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/37091/Partnership_for_Global_Infrastructure_and_Investment_PGII__IndiaMiddle_EastEurope_Economic_Corridor_IMEC

[9] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2106662

[10] https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/38786/

(The author is pursuing Ph.D. in defence and strategic studies from Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab. Views expressed are personal. She can be reached at surbhichakraborty7@gmail.com )