Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an enthusiastic welcome from the Indian diaspora as he arrived in Calgary, Canada, for the G7 Summit, marking his first visit to the country in a decade. Indian-origin Canadians gathered from across the nation, expressing excitement and pride at Modi’s presence. Many community leaders and students voiced hopes that the visit would spotlight their concerns and further strengthen India’s global profile. The diaspora’s warm reception reflected optimism for a renewed chapter in India-Canada relations, especially after a period of diplomatic strain.

Modi’s visit comes at a pivotal time, as the summit is set against a backdrop of global challenges, including conflicts in the Middle East and ongoing trade tensions. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that Modi will engage with G7 leaders and other invitees on pressing issues such as energy security, technology, innovation, and the AI-energy nexus. This summit is also Modi’s first major multilateral engagement since India’s Operation Sindoor, an anti-terror campaign in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which has added significance to his international outreach.

The summit, hosted in Kananaskis, Alberta, by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, is seen as an opportunity to reset bilateral ties. Carney’s invitation to Modi signals a willingness to move past previous tensions and focus on shared democratic values and mutual economic interests. Both governments have recently resumed security dialogues, and there is anticipation around Modi’s scheduled bilateral meeting with Carney, which could pave the way for new trade and innovation partnerships.

During his 23-hour stay, Modi will address the G7 Outreach Session and participate in several bilateral meetings with world leaders, including Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Indian diaspora and business leaders have emphasized the potential for collaboration in technology, energy, and green innovation, viewing Modi’s visit as a catalyst for unlocking economic opportunities and deepening Indo-Canadian ties.