G7 Invite for Modi Signals India’s Growing Weight for Democratic Alliance [Video]

In a significant diplomatic step with implications for global alliances, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced he will attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, this month, after being invited by Canada.

Prime Minister Mark Carney‘s office confirmed the invitation was made in a call with Modi.

Why It Matters

Modi’s attendance at the G7, of which India is not a member, signals an improvement in the relationship between India and Canada after a very rocky period and came after reports that no invitation would be forthcoming for Modi this year, triggering criticism of Modi from his political opponents.

India’s association with the G7 group of industrialized democracies underlines its strategic importance for the United States and its allies at a time of growing geopolitical polarization.

While India is the world’s largest democracy, it is also part of the BRICS alliance alongside Western rivals China and Russia, making the world’s most populous nation a key …