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Trade, a sudden exit, Middle East conflict - five takeaways from G7

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Original Story by BBC News
June 18, 2025
Trade, a sudden exit, Middle East conflict - five takeaways from G7

Context:

The G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, faced significant disruptions due to the unexpected departure of US President Donald Trump and the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted the summit with a focus on fostering long-term resilience over short-term efficiency, despite the challenges. Trump's early exit, prompted by the Middle East conflict, led to a more relaxed atmosphere among the remaining leaders and missed bilateral meetings with key figures. The summit's agenda was overshadowed by the Middle East crisis, with the G7 releasing a statement urging de-escalation but stopping short of demanding a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Meanwhile, discussions on other critical issues, such as trade and diplomatic relations, continued, including tensions between Canada and India over the alleged involvement of Indian agents in a Sikh leader's death on Canadian soil.

Dive Deeper:

  • US President Donald Trump's abrupt departure from the G7 summit in Alberta, due to the Israel-Iran conflict, was met with understanding by other leaders, although it disrupted planned bilateral meetings with Ukraine, Australia, and Mexico.

  • The unfolding conflict in the Middle East shifted global attention away from the summit's original agenda, with G7 leaders releasing a communique calling for de-escalation, but not a direct ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

  • Prime Minister Mark Carney, hosting his first G7 summit, aimed to promote long-term resilience and co-operation, even as the summit was marred by unexpected geopolitical tensions.

  • Despite the distractions, the summit managed to produce joint statements on various issues, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and migrant smuggling, with a focus on outcomes rather than process.

  • Trade talks were a key topic, with Carney and Trump discussing a potential trade and security deal amidst ongoing tariff disputes, while other leaders like Japan's Prime Minister sought to advance their own trade discussions with the US.

  • Canada and India's diplomatic tensions were highlighted during the summit, following accusations of Indian involvement in a Sikh leader's death in Canada, yet Carney and Modi agreed to restore diplomatic services and discussed broader security issues.

  • The G7 summit provided an opportunity for Carney to advocate for Canada's economic interests, aiming to reduce reliance on the US while pursuing stronger economic ties with other nations, including a potential defense procurement agreement with Europe.

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