G7 Summit 2025: Fifty Years of Global Influence

The Group of Seven (G7) Summit is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This prestigious conference is being held in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, from June 15-17, 2025. This historic occasion comes at a time when the world is facing major crises, wars, economic uncertainties, and technological changes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also arrived in Canada to participate in the summit. This is his first visit to Canada since 2015 and his sixth consecutive participation in G7 meetings. Although India is not a formal member of the G7, Modi’s presence highlights India’s growing role on the global stage.

Historical Evolution: From Rambouillet to Kananaskis (1975-2025)

Origins and Formation

The G7’s journey began in November 1975, initiated by French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing and German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. The first summit was held at Château de Rambouillet, southwest of Paris. Initially, it was called the G6, and included:

France

West Germany (now Germany)

United States

Japan

United Kingdom

Italy

With Canada’s inclusion in 1976, the group became the G7. In 1977, the European Commission was invited for the first time, and today the President of the European Council also attends.

Historical Context of Formation

The G7 was formed during a period of serious economic crisis in the 1970s:

The first oil shock destabilized global energy markets

The collapse of the Bretton Woods system increased monetary uncertainty

Western countries were struggling with inflation and recession

The Cold War context necessitated coordination among Western allies

Evolution Over Five Decades

Over 50 years, the G7 has undergone several changes:

1980s-1990s: Focus expanded from economic issues to international security, human rights, and global security

1990s: Debt relief programs for poor countries (HIPC)

1997-2014: Russia joined, forming the G8, but was expelled in 2014 after the Crimea dispute

2000s: Increased engagement with developing countries and emerging economies

1999: Establishment of the G20 to include emerging economies

Current Structure and Global Influence

Member Countries

Currently, the G7 includes:

United States

United Kingdom

Japan

Germany

France

Italy

Canada

European Union (not counted in the seven, but a member)

Economic and Political Power

Despite changes in the global power structure over 50 years, the G7’s influence remains significant:

Accounts for about 45% of global GDP

Holds about 50% of the world’s nominal wealth

Represents about 10% of the world’s population

Leads in technological, economic, and strategic policy-making

Declining Relative Influence

However, several major factors have reduced the G7’s global importance:

China’s dramatic economic rise

The growing role of India and other Global South countries

The emergence of alternative multilateral forums like BRICS+

The division of global power into multiple poles

G7 Summit 2025: Agenda and Key Issues

The 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis is focused on several pressing global challenges:

Major Themes and Issues

Global Economic Outlook: Economic stability and growth amid inflation and trade tensions

International Peace and Security: Focus on Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Iran conflicts

Energy Security: Sustainable energy transition and security concerns

Digital Transformation: AI regulation, quantum technology, and cybersecurity

Climate Action: Global climate crisis and environmental challenges

Trade Relations: Especially regarding US tariff policies

Special Focus on Russia and China

Increasing economic pressure on Russia due to the Ukraine war

Discussion on China’s growing influence, trade policies, and regional assertiveness

Coordinated strategies to tackle cyber threats and technological competition

India’s Participation and Strategic Importance

PM Modi’s Engagement

Prime Minister Modi’s participation is significant for several reasons:

This is his sixth consecutive G7 summit since 2019

In this 23-hour visit, he will hold bilateral meetings with global leaders and participate in outreach sessions

The visit comes after India’s recent Operation Sindoor against terrorism in Pakistan

India’s Role and Agenda

At the summit, PM Modi will focus on:

Energy security and sustainable development

Technology and innovation, especially the AI-energy and quantum technology nexus

Representing the priorities of the Global South

Strengthening bilateral relations with Canada, especially after recent diplomatic tensions

India-Canada Relations

This visit is also important for India-Canada relations:

PM Modi’s first visit to Canada since 2015

Opportunity to improve relations that deteriorated under former PM Justin Trudeau

Canadian PM Mark Carney’s invitation signals an intent to improve ties

Potential discussions on trade, security cooperation, and diaspora issues

Changing Global Landscape: G7 vs. Other Global Forums

The Role of G7 and G20

The relationship between the G7 and G20 reflects changing global balance:

G20 was established in 1999 with G7’s support, including emerging economies

G20’s role increased after the 2007-08 financial crisis

Some experts see G20 as an alternative to the G7

G7 remains focused on democratic values and coordinated policies

Challenges to G7’s Relevance

In today’s multipolar world, G7 faces several limitations:

Limited and outdated membership, missing many major economies

Limited representation of the Global South

Questions about effectiveness in solving complex global challenges

Internal disagreements on issues like climate, trade, and security

Why this matters for your exam preparation

The G7 Summit and its evolution are important for UPSC and other competitive exams because:

For International Relations Paper:

G7 is a major multilateral forum in global governance, reflecting the evolution of international institutions

Changing equations between G7, G20, and BRICS+ help understand global power structure and multipolarity

India’s participation as a non-member highlights its growing diplomatic role

For Current Affairs and GS Paper II:

The 50th anniversary of G7 provides historical context for contemporary global governance

The 2025 agenda highlights major global challenges like wars, economic tensions, and technological regulation

PM Modi’s participation underscores India’s foreign policy and strategic priorities

For Essay Writing and Mains:

The 50-year evolution of G7 is an excellent case study of how international institutions change over time

The declining influence of G7 despite economic power shows today’s multipolar world order

The interplay between economic forums (G7, G20) and political groups (BRICS+) highlights the complexity of global governance

For Prelims Preparation:

Know G7 membership, formation date, and evolution

Understand key differences between G7, G8, and G20

Be aware of recent G7 summit locations and themes, especially the 2025 Kananaskis meeting

This comprehensive analysis of the G7 will help you answer questions related to international relations, global governance, and India’s foreign policy in various dimensions of the UPSC exam.