Big diplomatic signal: S Jaishankar to join G7 talks in Canada

The MEA stated that Jaishankar’s participation underscores India’s commitment to working with international partners on global challenges and strengthening the voice of the Global South in multilateral forums.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced the list of participants for the meeting, which will include ministers from G7 members — France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.

Canada has also invited several outreach countries, including Australia, Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, and Ukraine.

According to the Canadian government, the discussions will focus on global economic and security issues, including maritime security, economic and energy resilience, and cooperation on critical minerals.

Jaishankar’s visit comes at a time when India-Canada relations are seeking recalibration. Ties between the two countries had deteriorated sharply in 2023 following tensions linked to Khalistani extremist activities in Canada and the subsequent diplomatic expulsions by both sides.

The strain in relations intensified after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a possible Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen linked to Khalistani separatism. India rejected the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated”.

The new Canadian government under Prime Minister Mark Carney has signalled its intention to stabilize ties and has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 Summit.