The G7 summit in Canada saw Trump exit early, Iran-Israel war overshadow talks, and leaders focus on trade, AI, and resilience amid global crises.
High-Stakes Summit Unfolds in Alberta
The G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, hosted for the first time by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, began with a forward-looking agenda on trade, technology, and security. But global tensions quickly derailed the script. The sudden escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran, coupled with U.S. President Donald Trump’s abrupt departure, shifted attention away from policy to crisis management.
Carney remained optimistic, declaring the summit a turning point: “We can begin a new era of co-operation that promotes long-term resilience over short-term efficiency.”
Trump’s Exit Changes the Atmosphere
President Trump unexpectedly left the summit early, citing the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. His departure left key bilateral meetings—especially with Ukraine, Australia, and Mexico—unfinished, though he reportedly followed up by phone with some leaders.
French President Emmanuel Macron deflected concerns that the summit had turned into a “G6,” calling such suggestions disrespectful. Analysts noted a visible change in tone after Trump’s departure, with remaining leaders appearing more relaxed and cohesive.
Middle East Conflict Dominates Talks
Even before Trump’s exit, discussions were already dominated by the Israel-Iran war and broader regional instability. The G7 issued a joint statement urging de-escalation in the Middle East and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, although it stopped short of demanding an immediate halt to hostilities between Israel and Iran.
President Macron and Trump clashed publicly over ceasefire narratives, reflecting divergent diplomatic strategies. Yet, despite the friction, the leaders maintained a unified front in their communique.
Ukraine Aid and Indian Diplomacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky secured new aid commitments from Canada, though a collective G7 statement of support was reportedly scrapped due to U.S. objections. Instead, Ukraine was addressed in the summit’s chairman’s summary, highlighting a commitment to peace and pressure on Russia through sanctions.
Carney also faced domestic scrutiny over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance. Following last year’s diplomatic fallout over the murder of a Sikh separatist in Canada, the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties. Carney emphasized transnational security and the rules-based order in his discussions with Modi.
Carney’s Vision: Trade, Tech, and Resilience
Despite the geopolitical turbulence, Carney pushed through with his core agenda. Agreements emerged on artificial intelligence, critical minerals, quantum computing, and wildfire response.
A key focus was trade. Carney and Trump engaged in constructive talks on resolving ongoing tariff disputes, with both sides agreeing to pursue a deal within 30 days. Carney aims to diversify Canada’s economy away from over-reliance on the U.S., courting European and Asian leaders for broader trade partnerships.
Trump’s Trade Goals and Global Deadlines
Trump arrived at the summit keen to lock down trade deals ahead of his self-imposed July 9 “Liberation Day” tariff deadline. While no breakthroughs were made, he and British PM Keir Starmer advanced parts of a U.S.-UK tariff agreement.
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Trump agreed to continue trade negotiations, despite remaining disagreements. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the EU-U.S. talks “complex,” yet progressing, with a deal in sight by July.
A Tense but Productive Gathering
Despite early exits, military escalations, and diplomatic frictions, the G7 summit closed with concrete steps on multiple fronts. Carney’s debut as host drew praise for a focused, pragmatic approach. Whether this summit sets a new tone for future cooperation remains to be seen—but it was, without doubt, a G7 to remember.
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