In News:

The Prime Minister of India participated in the 52nd G7 Summit Outreach Session held at Évian, France, under the theme "Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity." India used the platform to advocate the interests of the Global South, address the global trust deficit, and strengthen bilateral ties with Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

India's Key Message at the G7 Outreach Session

• India emphasized that the world today faces a deficit of trust rather than a deficit of resources and called for rebuilding international cooperation based on mutual trust, equality, and shared responsibility.
• Highlighting the aspirations of the Global South, India argued that developing countries seek equitable participation in global governance rather than a traditional donor-recipient relationship.
• India also showcased its development partnership with Africa, underlining the principles of South-South Cooperation and demand-driven development assistance.

Major Bilateral Outcomes

India–Canada

• Both countries agreed to expedite negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the objective of concluding it by 2026.
• Negotiations will begin on a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) to strengthen defence and intelligence cooperation.
• India supported Canada's candidature as a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
• The two sides advanced cooperation in civil nuclear energy, including a CAD 2.6 billion uranium supply agreement between Cameco and India's Department of Atomic Energy for the period 2027–2035.
• Announcement of "Raisina Americas", a Track-1.5 geopolitical dialogue platform.

India–United Kingdom

• Leaders reviewed progress under the India–UK Vision 2035 roadmap.
• Reaffirmed commitment to early implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), with emphasis on technology, defence, education and economic cooperation.

India–United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Both countries emphasized ensuring free and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, given the evolving security situation in West Asia.
• India invited the UAE President to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit, to be hosted by India later in 2026.

About the G7

• The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of the world's major advanced economies.
• Originally established as the G6 in 1975 following the 1973 oil crisis, it comprised France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Canada joined in 1976, creating the G7. Russia joined in 1998, forming the G8, but its membership was suspended in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea.
• The European Union (EU) participates as a non-enumerated member, represented by the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission.
• Unlike organizations such as the United Nations or NATO, the G7 is an informal forum with no treaty, permanent secretariat, or headquarters. The presidency rotates annually among member countries, which host the summit and determine the agenda.
• Although G7 countries account for only about 10% of the global population, they contribute approximately 43% of the world's nominal GDP, making the grouping highly influential in global economic governance. To broaden representation, G7 presidencies invite countries such as India, Brazil, and South Africa to participate in Outreach Sessions.