June 17, 2025e-Paper
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June 17, 2025e-Paper
Updated – June 18, 2025 04:56 am IST
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gestures next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, in Alberta, on June 17, 2025. | Photo Credit: Reuters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Canada on Monday (June 16, 2025) to attend the G7 Summit at Kananaskis, his first visit to Canada in a decade, with discussions with world leaders to be focussed on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation.
Prime Minister Modi will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit, coming over a month after India’s Operation Sindoor that had targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attacks.
The G7 summit comes amidst rising geopolitical tensions, including escalating tensions in the Middle East in the wake of the strikes between Iran and Israel, as well as a trade war triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
Mr. Trump, who arrived in Kananaskis Sunday (June 15, 2025) for the G7 Summit was expected to have bilateral meetings with many world leaders. However, Mr. Trump is abruptly leaving the summit, departing a day early Monday as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies and the U.S. leader has declared that Tehran should be evacuated “immediately.”
Read: G7 leaders want to contain Israel-Iran conflict, as Donald Trump calls for talks between countries
The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of the world’s advanced economies- France, the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada and the European Union. Its members meet annually at the G7 Summit to discuss global economic and geopolitical issues.
India, the fifth-largest economy in the world, has regularly been invited to the Outreach session of the G7 Summit in the past few years.
The summit is expected to deliberate on pressing challenges facing the globe including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in West Asia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said relations between India and Canada are “extremely important” and the two nations should work together to achieve win-win cooperation in various sectors.
Prime Minister Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney held bilateral discussions on the margins of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, on June 17. This was the first meeting between the two leaders since Mr. Carney assumed office in May 2025.
Congratulating Mr. Carney on his “grand victory” in the election, PM Modi said, “I am sure under your leadership, we will be able to work together in a positive way and take the India-Canada relationship forward.” “I believe that India-Canada relations are extremely important and India and Canada should work together and achieve win-win cooperation in several areas,” PM Modi said in his remarks ahead of the bilateral meeting.
He said Canadian companies have invested in India in a big way, and Indian people have also invested in Canada substantially.
– PTI
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung told Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada that the two nations need to cooperate in a future-oriented manner amid difficulties in the international trade environment, the Yonhap news agency reported.
– Reuters
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced hope on June 16 for improved cooperation with Canada as he met his new counterpart Mark Carney, following a bitter spat over New Delhi’s alleged involvement in an assassination.
Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, last year publicly accused India of involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil and expelled the Indian ambassador, triggering a furious reciprocal response from India.
PM Modi took a conciliatory tone as he met Mr. Carney at a remote mountain lodge, saying, “The relationship between India and Canada is very important in many ways.”
– AFP
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on June 17 said she had a “very good” phone call with her U.S. counterpart Donald Trump.
In a post on social media platform X, the Mexican leader, who was scheduled to meet with Mr. Trump in person at the G7 summit in Canada before he left early, said the two agreed to work together to reach an agreement on “diverse topics.” The pair had a “good call”, a White House official said.
– Reuters
EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen on June 17 said surging energy prices have reduced the urgency to slash the price cap on Russia’s global oil exports.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, had suggested cutting the current oil price cap from $60 to $45 as Moscow drags its feet on a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The measure would have been a major component of a fresh wave of sanctions against Russia planned by the EU, with hopes that the United States would also commit.
The EU had said it would make its case at the G7 summit being held at a wooded resort in Alberta, Canada, but the gathering was overshadowed by the conflict between Israel and Iran that sent U.S. President Donald Trump home early to handle the crisis.
– AFP
The United States blocked a “strong” G7 statement on Ukraine that would have condemned Russia, arguing it wanted to preserve its ability to negotiate, an official from summit host Canada said June 17.
“Basically, no statement because the Americans wanted to water it down,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
– AFP
Canada dropped plans for the Group of Seven to issue a strong statement on the Ukraine war after resistance from the United States, a Canadian official told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit on June 17.
The official said the U.S. side wanted to water down the draft statement, and Canada felt this would not be fair to Ukraine, whose President arrived at the summit on June 17.
The language agreed to by the remaining six members of the grouping will be contained in a statement that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is due to issue later in the day, the official said.
– Reuters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 17 met Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and thanked her for the support extended by her country to India in its fight against terrorism.
During their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, PM Modi congratulated Ms. Sheinbaum on her historic electoral victory, making her the first female president of Mexico in two centuries. This was the first meeting between the two leaders.
– PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 17 met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, green energy and technology.
The two leaders, who met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, also exchanged views on regional and international developments, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
“Prime Minister Modi thanked Chancellor Merz for Germany’s strong solidarity and support to India in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
– PTI
Group of Seven nations gathered for a summit have agreed to six joint statements on subjects such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence and wildfires, host nation Canada said on June 17.
The other topics they agreed statements on were quantum computing, migrant smuggling and transnational repression. Prime Minister Mark Carney is due to issue a separate chair’s statement later.
– Reuters
Aboard Air Force One, U.S. President Donald Trump responded with a swipe that accused French President Emmanuel Macron of showboating.
“Wrong! He is ‘publicity seeking’ and always gets it wrong,” Mr. Trump said. “He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington… Much bigger than that. Stay tuned!”
– AP
Group of Seven leaders, holding talks on June 17 at a summit in Canada, promised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fresh support as Russia stepped up attacks on its neighbour.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has had a volatile relationship with Zelenskyy, had been due to meet him but left the summit early to return to Washington over the Israel-Iran conflict.
Mr. Zelenskyy arrived at the remote resort venue in the Canadian Rockies after Russia hit Kyiv with one of the worst bombardments since it invaded in February 2022, killing at least 10 people in the capital.
– AFP
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was returning home after the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada with cautious optimism that the United States would decide in the coming days to impose further sanctions on Russia. “The European Union already has a comprehensive package in place for this,” Mr. Merz said on June 17.
“We discussed various options for further sanctions with the American side once again. I am returning to Germany with cautious optimism that decisions will also be made in America in the coming days to impose further sanctions against Russia,” he added.
– Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron said on June 17 that Donald Trump had a critical role in restarting diplomacy with Tehran, and said he believed the U.S. leader favours a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
“I believe we need the United States of America to bring everyone back around the table,” Mr. Macron told reporters at the G7 summit in Canada.
– AFP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 17 met with the leaders of South Korea, Mexico, South Africa and Australia on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
PM Modi has said he would be discussing important global issues and emphasise the priorities of the Global South as he meets world leaders at the G7 Summit. This is PM Modi’s first visit to Canada in a decade.
– PTI
French President Emmanuel Macron on June 17 accused his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, of exploiting the international climate to carry out a deadly attack on Kyiv. “It shows the complete cynicism of President Putin, who is using the international context to step up attacks against civilians,” Mr. Macron told reporters at the Group of Seven summit in Canada.
– AFP
Shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would not kill Iran’s supreme leader “for now”, while speaking at the ongoing G7 summit in Canada, French President Emmanuel Macron on June 17 warned that any attempt to change the Iranian regime would result in “chaos” as U.S. ally Israel traded fire with its arch foe.
– AFP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) met with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo Obrador on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
“Prime Minister Modi, who is there to attend the G7 Summit, held a pull-aside with Lee Jae-myung,” officials said. “He also met with the Mexican president on the sidelines of the summit,” they added.
Earlier, PM Modi had said he would discuss important global issues and emphasise the priorities of the Global South as he meets world leaders at the G7 Summit. This is PM Modi’s first visit to Canada in a decade.
– PTI
France will host the next G7 summit at the Alpine spa resort town of Evian-les-Bains in 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron said on June 17, 2025. Bordering Switzerland on the shores of Lake Geneva, Evian, already hosted the G7 in 2003.
It was also the first time that Russia had been invited to join, although it was kicked out of the group in 2014 after it annexed Crimea from Ukraine.
The leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the European Union will meet in the summer of 2026.
– Reuters
India will highlight the priorities of the Global South at the G-7 summit in Canada, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Calgary on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) to participate in the G-7 Outreach Summit. Besides the summit, Mr. Modi is expected to participate in four bilateral meetings with the leaders of Germany, Canada, Ukraine and Italy.
“Will be meeting various leaders at the summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South,” said Mr. Modi.
Read the full story below
India's Prime Minister Modi to emphasize Global South priorities at G-7 summit, participate in bilateral meetings.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) announced Can$2 billion ($1.47 billion) of military support, including drones and helicopters for Ukraine as he hosted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a G7 summit.
Mr. Carney vowed “total solidarity with Ukraine” as he also unveiled further sanctions on Russia in an effort to impose “maximum pressure” on President Vladimir Putin over the war.
– AFP
Britain on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) announced further sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, in what Prime Minister Keir Starmer will describe as part of a coordinated move by the Group of Seven (G7) countries.
Mr. Starmer is expected to set out details of the sanctions later on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) from a G7 summit in Canada.
He will say he wants “to work with all of our G7 partners to squeeze Russia’s energy revenues and reduce the funds they are able to pour into their illegal war,” according to advance excerpts of his remarks released by his office.
– Reuters
Iran accused the Group of Seven nations on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) of siding with Israel in its call for “de-escalation” in their intensifying conflict, now in its fifth day.
“The G7 must give up its one-sided rhetoric and tackle the real source of the escalation – Israel’s aggression,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.
At a G7 summit in Canada on Monday (June 16, 2025), leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump had called for “de-escalation” of the conflict while stressing Israel had the right to defend itself.
– AFP
The Kremlin today said that it agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump that it had been a mistake to expel Russia from the G8 in 2014, but that the format had lost practical significance for Russia and the G7 looked pretty useless now.
– Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will today urge the Group of Seven to provide more backing for the war against Russia even after U.S. President Donald Trump left the summit early due to developments in the Middle East.
Zelenskyy is due to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the morning before attending a G7 working breakfast on “A strong and sovereign Ukraine”, accompanied by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
The Ukrainian embassy in Canada said Zelenskyy travel plans had not changed.
– Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump kicked off his time at the Group of Seven summit by suggesting that Russia and maybe even China should be part of the organisation.
The U.S. leader indicated that he would rather have the G7 become the G8 or possibly even the G9, although Russia and China would notably be authoritarian governments in an organisation whose members are democracies.
Six of the Group of Seven leaders are trying on the final day of their Tuesday to show the wealthy nations’ club still has the clout to shape world events despite the early departure of President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and his counterparts from the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Japan will be joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO chief Mark Rutte to discuss Russia’s relentless war on its neighbour.
– AP
U.S. President Donald Trump said his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada had “nothing to do” with a possible ceasefire between Israel and Iran, adding that France’s leader had been “wrong” to suggest otherwise.
Read more:
President Trump denies leaving G7 summit early for Israel-Iran ceasefire, criticizes Macron, emphasizes bigger issues at play.
The Group of Seven nations expressed support for Israel in a statement issued late on Monday and labeled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, with the G7 leaders urging broader de-escalation of hostilities in the region.
“We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel,” G7 leaders said in the statement.
“Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,” the statement added and said the G7 was “clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Reuters
G7 leaders on Monday called for “de-escalation” in the Middle East starting with the Israel-Iran conflict, as US President Donald Trump hastily left the group’s summit.
Mr. Trump, who was making his return to the international diplomatic calendar, departed the gathering in the Canadian Rockies a day early as ally Israel pounded Iran.
After a day of statements backing diplomacy, Mr. Trump ominously took to social media to sound a warning to people in the Iranian capital, whose population is nearly 10 million.
“Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
AFP
The Group of Seven nations expressed support for Israel and labeled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, in a statement issued late on Monday that called for peace and stability in the region.
The air war between Iran and Israel – which began on Friday when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes – has raised alarms in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel’s military assault on Gaza in October 2023.
Reuters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will discuss important global issues and emphasise the priorities of the Global South as he meets world leaders at the G7 Summit in Canada’s Kananaskis.
Mr. Modi arrived here Monday evening (local time), his first visit to Canada in a decade, with discussions with world leaders to be focussed on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation.
“Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South,” Mr. Modi said in a post on X Monday evening.
Canadian PM Carney defends inviting Indian PM Modi to G7 summit amid criticism, citing India's economic importance and global influence.
World leaders at the Group of Seven summit in Canada on Monday pushed U.S. President Donald Trump to back away from his punishing trade war, arguing that it poses a risk to global economic stability.
G7 leaders used the meeting to sit down with Trump one-on-one to make their case for the U.S. leader to seal agreements that would eliminate the worse of the U.S. tariff threat.
In official sessions, the leaders also warned Mr. Trump that the tariffs could bring serious harm to the world economy.
“Several participants asked to end the tariff dispute as soon as possible,” a senior German official told reporters on condition of anonymity.
They argued that the dispute weakens the G7’s economies and “in the end will only strengthen China,” the official said.
AFP
President Donald Trump is abruptly leaving the Group of Seven summit, departing a day early Monday (June 16, 2025) as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies and the U.S. leader has declared that Tehran should be evacuated “immediately.”
World leaders had gathered in Canada with the specific goal of helping to defuse a series of global pressure points, only to be disrupted by a showdown over Iran’s nuclear program that could escalate in dangerous and uncontrollable ways. Israel launched an aerial bombardment campaign against Iran four days ago.
At the summit, Mr.Trump warned that Tehran needs to curb its nuclear program before it’s “too late.” He said Iranian leaders would “like to talk” but they had already had 60 days to reach an agreement on their nuclear ambitions and failed to do so before the Israeli aerial assault began. “They have to make a deal,” he said.
Asked what it would take for the U.S. to get involved in the conflict militarily, Mr. rump said Monday morning, “I don’t want to talk about that.“
Prime Minister Modi attends G7 Summit in Canada, focusing on global issues like energy security and technology.
Published – June 17, 2025
World / diplomacy / Prime Minister Narendra Modi / Donald Trump / Canada / G7 summit
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