Canada: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday delivered a strong message at the G7 Outreach Session in Canada, asserting that there should be no tolerance for double standards on terrorism. Without directly naming Pakistan, PM Modi criticised countries that openly support terror activities yet continue to receive international aid and recognition.
“There should be no place for double standards on terrorism. It is the enemy of humanity and stands against every nation that upholds democratic values,” PM Modi said. Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed in April, Modi called it “an assault on humanity.”
He added, “On one hand, we are quick to impose all kinds of sanctions based on preferences. On the other, nations supporting terrorism are often rewarded. For global peace and prosperity, our policies must be clear—countries that support terrorism must be made to pay a price.”
Focus on Energy and Sustainability
During his address, PM Modi also stressed the importance of ensuring energy security through sustainable and green solutions. He highlighted India’s leadership in promoting clean energy through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
“These are not just Indian initiatives but global ones aimed at securing a sustainable future for all,” Modi noted, emphasizing India’s commitment to leading the clean energy transition globally.
Championing the Global South
The Prime Minister underlined the responsibility India has taken upon itself to represent the concerns of the Global South—a group of developing and less industrialized nations. “Countries of the Global South are the worst affected by global crises—whether it is food, fuel, fertilizer, or finance. India considers it its duty to bring their voices to the world stage,” PM Modi said.
He urged G7 nations to adopt a more inclusive approach that factors in the challenges faced by these countries, especially during times of global economic and geopolitical instability.
Deepfake and Technology Governance
Touching upon digital safety, PM Modi called deepfake technology a major concern and advocated for mandatory watermarking and clear disclaimers on AI-generated content. He emphasized the need for global governance standards for artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent its misuse.
“This century will not be about energy competition, but technological cooperation. We must work together to ensure AI serves humanity, not harms it,” he said, reaffirming India’s commitment to a human-centric approach to technology.
Modi also spoke about India’s success in democratizing technology, from digital banking to vaccine delivery systems, asserting that innovation must be inclusive and transparent.
A Decade Since Modi’s Last Canada Visit
This visit marked PM Modi’s first trip to Canada in ten years. On the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, he engaged in a series of high-level bilateral meetings. Modi met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney—a crucial interaction following years of strained ties between the two countries. He also held discussions with UK PM Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni, Japan’s PM Shigeru Ishiba, South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, European Council President António Costa, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Brazilian President Lula da Silva.
The presence of these leaders highlighted India’s growing diplomatic footprint and strategic relevance on the global stage.
A Message of Global Unity
Summarizing his participation at the summit, PM Modi said, “India is here not just as the world’s largest democracy but also as a voice for the voiceless, a bridge between the developing and developed world. We are committed to global good.”
His remarks served as a call to action for world leaders to adopt a unified, transparent, and inclusive approach in dealing with terrorism, technological change, and the needs of developing nations—cementing India’s role as a key global player in the 21st century.
