Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is using this week’s G7 summit in Kananaskis to broaden alliances beyond traditional Western power blocs, deepening ties with South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and India’s Narendra Modi while steering clear of confrontation with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
At a Glance
- Carney met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss trade, AI, and climate resilience
- India’s Narendra Modi, Brazil’s Lula, and Mexico’s Sheinbaum were invited to signal G7’s global pivot
- Carney ditched a joint communique to avoid divisive Trump-era fallout
- Summit priorities include Israel-Iran tensions, U.S. tariffs, climate resilience, and AI governance
- Canada is leveraging its G7 presidency to reshape diplomatic and trade strategy
Strategic Outreach to Global South
In the lead-up to the summit, Carney held high-level talks with President Ramaphosa, framing Canada as a partner in wildfire response, AI development, and critical minerals access. The move highlights Canada’s dual role in G7 and G20 diplomacy, and its interest in strengthening African engagement amid China’s growing presence.
The G7 guest list—featuring leaders from Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and India—reflects Carney’s strategy to globalize the summit, moving beyond legacy alliances to forge newer economic and political ties.
Watch a report: G7 Leaders in Canada to Discuss Israel-Iran Conflict, Trump Tensions
Diplomacy Over Drama as Trump Returns
To sidestep friction with Trump—whose trade wars and isolationist stance previously derailed G7 unity—Carney scrapped a formal communique in favor of chair’s summaries. This allows G7 leaders to articulate shared goals without appearing fractured on issues like tariffs, NATO funding, or Ukraine policy.
Trump’s presence looms large, but Carney’s diplomatic choreography aims to defuse direct confrontations and keep the summit focused on substantive policy shifts.
Climate, AI, and Supply Chains Dominate
The G7 agenda includes de-escalation in the Middle East, especially Israel-Iran tensions, and renewed calls for AI governance frameworks amid surging innovation. Carney has also pushed for wildfire readiness initiatives and collaborative critical mineral supply chains to reduce dependence on China.
India’s invitation signals a potential diplomatic reset after bilateral tensions—Carney emphasized that “India is the fifth-largest economy” and essential to any serious conversation on global infrastructure and technology standards.
Carney’s approach reflects both ambition and caution—a balancing act designed to position Canada as a 21st-century convener in an increasingly fractured geopolitical landscape.
