G7 Summit 2025 Opens Amid Global Tensions
Leaders of the Group of Seven met on Sunday in Kananaskis, Alberta, for the 51st G7 summit. The meeting takes place from June 15 to 17 in the Canadian Rockies. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting. The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union also participates. Donald Trump returned as US president, marking his first G7 appearance since walking out in 2018. The G7 represents 44 percent of global GDP but only 10 percent of the world’s population.
High Stakes for Donald Trump’s Return
Trump imposed tariffs on all G7 members earlier this year before pausing them for most countries except China. The UK secured a trade deal in May, reducing tariffs from 5.1 percent to 1.8 percent on US goods. Trump confirmed China reached a separate agreement. EU and Japan hope to secure deals before July 9. John Kirton from the G7 Research Group said Trump is unlikely to cause disruption this time. “He doesn’t want to kill the G7 golden goose before he can produce the ‘biggest, best summit ever’,” Kirton said. Trump is expected to host the 2027 G7 summit.
Donald Trump returns to the G7
Expanded Guest List Draws Scrutiny
Canada invited several non-G7 leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Modi’s invitation drew criticism due to Canada-India tensions over the 2023 killing of a Sikh separatist leader. The World Sikh Organisation called the invitation “a betrayal of Sikh Canadians”. The Sikh Federation of Canada labelled it “a grave insult”. Carney defended the move by highlighting India’s economic importance and ongoing law enforcement dialogue. “We have now agreed, importantly, to continued law enforcement dialogue,” Carney told reporters in Ottawa. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was invited, though his attendance remains uncertain. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also attending, along with leaders from Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa and South Korea.
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is invited by Canada
Israel-Iran Conflict Likely to Dominate Talks
Israel launched strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday. The crisis may overshadow discussions originally focused on Ukraine and Gaza. “There will be tough questions from other leaders around the table to Donald Trump,” said Julia Kulik of the G7 Research Group. She said Trump may face pressure to explain the US stance and manage de-escalation with Israel. Robert Rogowsky from the Middlebury Institute said the conflict is unavoidable at the summit. “That attack, counterattack, and the US declaration that it was not involved… creates the possibility of a real, all-out war,” he said.
Global Trade Remains a Central Concern
G7 leaders plan to discuss energy security, digital transition and global trade partnerships. Carney is expected to push for friendlier global supply chains and critical mineral agreements. Following the May G7 finance meeting, leaders pledged to monitor “nonmarket policies and practices” that distort global trade. Though China wasn’t named, experts believe the statement targeted China’s lending and trade practices. Concerns over China’s military presence and Taiwan tensions will also feature in conversations.
Russia-Ukraine War Still on the Agenda
A March G7 statement supported Ukraine and warned of further sanctions against Russia without a ceasefire. The UK and EU imposed new sanctions in May. Trump refused to support them due to ongoing talks with President Vladimir Putin. Further sanctions and efforts to secure a ceasefire are expected to continue in closed-door sessions.
Development and Aid Face Cuts
Global development remains a longstanding G7 topic, especially in Africa. However, the US indicated a reduced focus on humanitarian aid under the Trump administration. The US has shuttered USAID and proposed major cuts to overseas health and development funding. This shift could generate debate among G7 partners advocating for sustained development assistance.
Bilateral Talks Likely on the Sidelines
Trump plans meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Both seek to finalise trade deals ahead of July to avoid reciprocal tariffs. Trump, Carney and Sheinbaum may convene for North American trade and border security discussions. Canada and Mexico previously boosted border controls to prevent fentanyl trafficking and avoided new US tariffs. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will also meet Trump again during the summit. Trump earlier accused South Africa of “genocide” against white farmers. The US relocated 59 white South Africans in May.
Summit Outcomes May Remain Unclear
The 2018 summit ended in dispute when Trump refused to endorse the final communique. This year, Carney aims to preserve unity despite divisions over tariffs, conflicts and aid priorities. Whether the G7 can present a united front remains uncertain amid mounting global challenges and political differences.
