Key Points

World leaders have arrived in Canada for the G7 Summit, focusing on economic stability and energy security. Emmanuel Macron criticized the US over its stance on Greenland, emphasizing sovereignty. Discussions on the Middle East and Ukraine dominated sideline meetings among leaders. The Summit also includes non-G7 nations to address broader global challenges.

Key Points: G7 Summit Opens in Canada Amid Middle East Tensions

  • G7 leaders prioritize global economy and energy security
  • Macron rebukes US over Greenland sovereignty claims
  • Meloni and Merz discuss Middle East and Ukraine conflicts
  • Starmer urges restraint amid rising oil price concerns
3 min read

World leaders arrive in Canada for G7 Summit

World leaders gather in Canada for the G7 Summit to address global economy, energy security, and escalating Middle East tensions.

"Greenland cannot be bought or taken – Emmanuel Macron"

Ottawa, June 16

Several world leaders have gathered at the Canadian Rockies for the Group of Seven (G7) Summit being held amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The G7 leaders conducted a 90-minute session in Canada's Kananaskis to discuss the global economic outlook, and a working lunch focused on energy security with invited leaders.

The leaders had unveiled its slimmed-down agenda on Sunday, prioritising discussions on the global economy and energy security.

The G7 is an informal bloc comprising seven of the world's advanced economies -- Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain, and the United States -- along with the European Union.

The annual Summit serves as a platform to coordinate responses to major global economic and geopolitical challenges.

The G7 leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba, British PM Keir Starmer and several others, have arrived in the city for the two-day summit.

Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday reaffirmed France and the European Union's support for Greenland's autonomy and Denmark's sovereignty ahead of the key Summit. He criticised the US for its repeated assertions about acquiring Greenland, calling such statements "wrong".

“It is wrong when the United States keeps expressing a wish to take over Greenland," Macron said during a joint press conference in Nuuk with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen.

He underscored that "Greenland cannot be bought or taken," directly rebuking past comments made by the US President amid renewed geopolitical interest in the Arctic.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, on the sidelines of the Summit, interacting on the recent developments in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine.

"During the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, I met with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz. During the meeting, we confirmed our common will to convene a new edition of the Intergovernmental Summit between Italy and Germany in Rome at the beginning of 2026 and to maintain close coordination on important issues of the EU agenda, such as the fight against irregular immigration and competitiveness. We also exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine," Meloni posted on X on Monday.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also held a meeting with Meloni on Sunday evening.

“Discussing the situation in the Middle East, the Prime Minister urged restraint and de-escalation. The leaders agreed that the devastating human toll as well as the potential global economic impact caused by rising global oil prices cannot be underestimated,” read a statement issued by the British Prime Minister’s office.

“They added that this Summit comes at a vitally important moment for the world, and that G7 partners must find a way forward through diplomacy. They reiterated their enduring support for Ukraine, agreeing that it is a topic of our common security that they looked forward to discussing in the next two days,” the statement added.

Canadian Prime Minister Mike Carney, who is hosting this year's summit, has extended invitations to leaders from several non-G7 countries, including Ukraine, Australia, India, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good to see India being invited despite not being part of G7. Our economy is growing fast and we deserve a seat at such high tables. Hope PM Modi puts forward our concerns about energy security and global supply chains effectively. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Why is Greenland getting so much attention at G7? There are more pressing issues like food security and climate change affecting developing nations. These summits should focus on real problems rather than territorial debates.
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Arjun S.
The G7 needs to understand that countries like India, Brazil and South Africa represent the voice of the Global South. Their inclusion is good but decision-making power should also be shared. Old power structures won't work in today's multipolar world.
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Sunita P.
Energy security discussions are crucial for India. We depend heavily on oil imports and global price fluctuations hit our economy hard. Hope our representatives push for stable energy markets and alternative energy partnerships. 🙏
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Vikram J.
While G7 talks about global economy, they should address how their protectionist policies affect developing nations. Their agricultural subsidies make it hard for our farmers to compete in international markets. Need fair trade, not just talks!
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Neha R.
The Ukraine conflict discussion is important but G7 shouldn't ignore other conflicts affecting Asia. The situation in Myanmar and China's aggressive posturing affects regional stability too. Global forums need broader perspectives.
K
Karan D.
Macron is right about Greenland - no country can be bought in this age. But same principle should apply to all territories globally.

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