As world leaders prepare to gather for the upcoming G7 summit in Kananaskis, one absence is making headlines, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending. Despite India’s growing role on the global stage, the country has not received an invitation to this year’s meeting of major economies.
The decision has caught the attention of political observers in Canada and beyond. Some see it as a missed opportunity for deeper dialogue between Western nations and one of the world’s largest democracies. Others suggest it reflects shifting priorities among G7 members, especially as tensions continue to rise in areas such as trade, energy, and regional security.
For Canada’s South Asian community, the absence is especially noticeable. With deep cultural and family ties to India, many Canadians had hoped to see stronger representation and engagement at global events like the G7.
India has previously been invited as a guest to G7 meetings in recent years, often participating in discussions on climate, technology, and economic growth. However, this year’s summit appears to be more exclusive, with a tighter focus on internal member coordination and shared Western interests.
While the G7 will move ahead without India this time, the global landscape is shifting quickly. As new alliances form and international challenges grow more complex, many wonder whether future summits can afford to leave out key players like India.