The Group of Seven (G7): What it is and what it does

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Calgary, Canada, later today to attend the G7 summit, commencing the second leg of his three nation tour after Cyprus.The visit comes following an official invitation from Canadian PM Mark Carney.

This marks PM Modi's first trip to Canada since diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Ottawa nosedived over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.The Prime Minister will engage in discussions with G7 leaders, invited outreach nations, and heads of international organisations on key global challenges, with a focus on energy security, technological innovation, and emerging issues at the intersection of AI and energy, as well as quantum technologies.“From Cyprus, I will travel to Kananaskis, Canada to attend the G 7 Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister H.E. Mark Carney. The Summit will provide space for the exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South. I also look forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries,” PM Modi said in a departure statement before departing for Cyprus on June 15.

What is G7?

The G7 (Group of Seven) is an informal intergovernmental forum of the world’s most advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, with the European Union also participating, along with representatives from bodies like the IMF, World Bank, and UN.

Formed in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis, the G7 began as a forum for leaders to coordinate economic policy and has since evolved into a key platform for addressing major global issues ranging from climate change and security to health crises and geopolitical conflicts.While not a formal international institution, the G7 holds annual summits where member countries discuss and align on pressing global challenges.

Though its decisions are not legally binding, the G7 carries significant political weight, shaping global discourse and often setting the agenda for broader international cooperation through forums like the G20.

Who gets the invite?

While the G7 remains an exclusive club of seven core members, each summit typically features a select group of guest nations and international organisations. These invitees are chosen by the host country based on current global priorities, strategic partnerships, and regional representation.

Invited nations often include emerging economies, regional players, or countries relevant to the summit’s agenda.India has been a regular invitee in recent years, reflecting its growing global clout and importance as a voice of the global south. For the 2024 summit hosted by Italy, invitees included India, Brazil, Argentina, Türkiye, and several African nations underscoring a focus on inclusive development, climate action, and geopolitical cooperation.

Where is the 2025 Summit happening?

The 2025 G7 Summit is currently underway, having begun on June 15 and scheduled to conclude on June 17, in Kananaskis, Alberta, a scenic mountain resort area located southwest of Calgary. Canada, which holds the G7 presidency this year, has chosen the location for its combination of natural beauty and logistical control.This marks the second time Kananaskis is hosting a G7/G8 summit, the first being in 2002 under then Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.

The choice reflects Canada’s emphasis on security, privacy, and an environment conducive to high-level deliberations.Lead-up meetings to the main summit have already been scheduled, with the foreign ministers’ meeting held in Charlevoix, Quebec, from March 12 to 14, and the finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting in Banff, Alberta, from May 20 to 22.With a focus on economic recovery, global security, climate action, and digital governance, the summit is expected to draw global attention not just for its agenda, but also for the geopolitical dynamics among member states and key invitees such as India and Brazil.

What’s on agenda?

This year's summit will focus on three broad themes: global security, economic resilience, and tech cooperation. Summit's agenda is overshadowed by an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and US President Donald Trump’s unresolved trade war.Economic discussions will cover clean energy, critical mineral supply chains, and trade tensions, while talks on AI, cybersecurity, and digital governance will shape the tech roadmap.Climate action, gender equality, and development partnerships with the Global South will also feature prominently.In a shift from tradition, as summit host, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has decided the summit will not end with a joint communique, with Canada opting for a Chair’s Summary to reflect diverse views.