51st G7 Summit 2025 – Countries, Key Issues & India’s Role

The Group of Seven, commonly referred to as the G7, is an informal forum of some of the world’s most advanced and industrialized democracies. The member countries include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union also participates as a non-enumerated member. The G7 summit provides a platform for these countries to deliberate on issues of global economic governance, international security, technological change, climate action, and more.

Venue and Host of the 2025 G7 Summit

The 51st G7 Summit was held from June 15 to June 17, 2025, in the mountain resort town of Kananaskis, located in Banff, Alberta, Canada. It was hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The summit theme revolved around three key objectives: protecting communities and the world, building energy security and accelerating digital transition, and securing the partnerships of the future.

Member Nations and Participating Leaders

The summit was attended by the leaders of the G7 countries:

• Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney
• France: President Emmanuel Macron
• Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz
• Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
• Japan: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba
• United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer
• United States: President Donald Trump

European Union representatives included Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa.

In addition, several non-G7 nations were invited as outreach partners. These included India, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and Ukraine.

Major Themes and Working Sessions

The summit’s agenda was wide-ranging. It included discussions on:

• Global trade and economic realignments
• Energy security and transition to renewable energy
• Governance of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity
• Geopolitical security threats including terrorism, wildfires, and smuggling
• Regional conflicts such as the Russia–Ukraine war and the Israel–Iran escalation

Israel–Iran Conflict and Middle East Tensions

The summit opened amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which rapidly shifted the summit’s focus from economic discussions to urgent security concerns. G7 leaders issued a joint statement affirming Israel’s right to self-defence and labelled Iran as the principal source of regional instability.

While the G7 urged de-escalation and a ceasefire in Gaza, they stopped short of demanding one directly. Differences emerged, especially between United States President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, over the direction and origin of peace initiatives.

Trade Agreements and Economic Realignments

One of the most anticipated developments was the announcement of a new post-Brexit trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. The agreement included the reduction of tariffs on British automotive and aerospace products, and expanded trade in sectors such as beef and ethanol. However, disputes over steel tariffs remained unresolved.

Trade talks were also initiated between Canada and the United States in a bid to resolve their own tariff disputes within a 30-day framework.

Artificial Intelligence and Global Technology Governance

Canada, as chair of the summit, prioritized digital governance, with a special focus on artificial intelligence. Key outcomes included:

• Reaffirmation of ethical commitments made in the Hiroshima AI Code of Conduct adopted in 2023
• Support for the OECD AI framework for transparency and accountability
• Canada’s establishment of a new Ministry of AI and Digital Innovation

India played an active role in these discussions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for the concept of “responsible AI” and emphasized the need to watermark deepfakes to prevent disinformation. He also showcased India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, particularly the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Aadhaar, as scalable and inclusive models for developing nations.

Russia–Ukraine War and G7’s Divided Response

The ongoing Russia–Ukraine war continued to dominate discussions, although G7 consensus was noticeably weaker in 2025 due to internal disagreements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attended the summit and secured two billion Canadian dollars in military aid from Canada.

However, the United States, under President Trump, opposed the issuance of a strong joint G7 statement on Ukraine. Instead, Canada released a Chair’s Summary that called for an unconditional ceasefire and renewed peace efforts.

India maintained its neutral stance, abstaining from United Nations votes, offering humanitarian aid, and balancing relations with both Russia and Western countries. The apparent division within the G7 may help reduce external pressure on India regarding its Russia policy.

Energy Security, Wildfires, and Climate Commitments

Energy security and climate change were key themes at the summit. Canada, facing severe wildfires, raised security concerns associated with climate-related disasters. Discussions focused on building resilient clean energy supply chains, advancing the renewable transition, and mobilizing climate finance.

India reiterated that it was ahead of schedule in meeting its Paris Agreement targets and promoted the International Solar Alliance as a model for global energy cooperation.

India’s Role at the G7 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his sixth appearance at the G7 Summit, highlighting India’s growing strategic relevance on the world stage.

India’s contributions included:

• Advocacy for fair and inclusive AI governance
• Highlighting the significance of Digital Public Infrastructure such as UPI and Aadhaar
• Emphasizing development finance, debt relief, and equity for the Global South
• Calling for global unity against terrorism
• Supporting democratic values, peace-building, and multilateral institutions

Diplomatically, India and Canada agreed to restore normal diplomatic services, which had been strained in previous years.

Summary of G7 AI Governance Track Record

The G7’s work on AI governance over the past three years has evolved steadily.

• In 2023, Japan introduced the Hiroshima AI Code of Conduct

• In 2024, Italy established an AI Reporting Framework

• In 2025, Canada elevated AI governance to top priority and created a dedicated AI ministry

This growing regulatory framework reflects the urgency of aligning innovation with ethical standards and public accountability.

Trump’s Early Exit and Political Undercurrents

US President Donald Trump left the summit early due to the Israel–Iran conflict, skipping scheduled bilateral meetings with leaders from Ukraine, Australia, and Mexico. The absence of American leadership created uncertainty and disrupted ongoing trade and security discussions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent represented the country for the remaining sessions.

Tensions also emerged between Trump and Macron over differing approaches to peace-building and conflict resolution.

Broader Agreements and Cooperation

Despite challenges, the G7 issued a number of joint statements on:

• Strengthening global cooperation on artificial intelligence and quantum computing
• Preventing migrant smuggling
• Enhancing the supply of critical minerals
• Coordinating responses to wildfires, although climate change was not explicitly referenced

These agreements reflect the G7’s attempt to retain its relevance in a rapidly changing world.