KANANASKIS, Alberta, June 17, 2025 – The 51st G7 Leaders’ Summit, hosted by Canada in the scenic Rocky Mountain resort town of Kananaskis, Alberta, concluded on June 17, 2025, amid heightened global tensions and complex diplomatic challenges. Leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with European Union representatives and invited guests, gathered to address pressing issues, including the Israel-Iran conflict, the war in Ukraine, economic recovery, climate change, and artificial intelligence (AI). The summit, marking the 50th anniversary of the G7’s inception, was notably shaped by the early departure of U.S. President Donald Trump and efforts to navigate his unpredictable stance on global affairs.
Key Developments
Israel-Iran Conflict Dominates Agenda
The summit’s agenda was significantly disrupted by escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly following Israel’s recent military strikes on Iran. The G7 leaders issued a joint statement on June 16, expressing support for Israel’s right to self-defense while calling for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. The statement emphasized that Iran must not develop or possess nuclear weapons, labeling the country a source of regional instability. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz underscored the urgency of preventing further escalation, stating, “This issue will be very high on the agenda of the G7 summit.”
President Trump, however, introduced uncertainty by initially signaling reluctance to endorse the joint statement on the Middle East. His abrupt decision to leave the summit a day early on June 16 to return to Washington and monitor the Israel-Iran situation added to the sense of disarray. Trump’s social media post warning Iranians to “immediately evacuate” their capital city raised concerns among European leaders, who pressed him for clarity on U.S. strategy. Despite these tensions, the G7 ultimately released a statement late Monday that appeared to have Trump’s approval, though it avoided contentious trade issues to maintain consensus.
Trump’s Influence and Early Exit
The return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the G7 stage was a central focus of the summit, with Canadian organizers taking steps to “Trump-proof” the event. Unlike previous summits, the traditional joint communiqué was abandoned in favor of targeted statements to avoid clashes over divisive issues like trade and Russia. Trump’s imposition of tariffs on G7 allies, including Canada and the EU, loomed large, with leaders like Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney navigating delicate negotiations to mitigate economic fallout. Trump formalized tariff cuts on British goods during the summit and announced a UK-US trade deal, described by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as a “sign of strength” in bilateral relations.
Trump’s suggestion to expand the G7 into a G8 or G9 by reincluding Russia and potentially inviting China sparked debate. His overt support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and reluctance to back stronger sanctions against Russia frustrated European leaders, who hoped for unified action against Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. A senior G7 diplomat noted, “Our hope is that Mr. Trump will join us in getting tougher on Russia, but he could equally say, no, let’s give them another two weeks.”
Outreach to Non-G7 Nations
Canada’s G7 presidency emphasized inclusivity, with several non-G7 leaders invited as outreach guests. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended as a guest for the sixth consecutive year, highlighting India’s growing global influence. Modi’s visit, his first to Canada, was framed by acting Indian High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik as a testament to India’s importance on the world stage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo also participated, with Zelenskyy engaging in bilateral talks with Trump to secure continued support for Ukraine. The inclusion of Australia and other nations underscored the G7’s commitment to broader partnerships on issues like energy security and digital transition.
Other Agenda Items
Despite the focus on geopolitical crises, the G7 addressed a packed agenda outlined by Canada, including:
- Economic Recovery: Leaders discussed strategies to stabilize the global economy amid Trump’s trade tariffs and inflationary pressures.
- Climate Change: Wildfires, a pressing issue in Canada, were on the agenda, though progress was limited due to competing priorities.
- AI and Digital Transition: The G7 explored frameworks for managing rapidly evolving technologies, with Canada championing responsible AI development.
- Global Security: Discussions on Ukraine and partnerships for future security cooperation were overshadowed by the Middle East crisis.
Challenges for Host Mark Carney
The summit was a significant test for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who assumed the G7 presidency on January 1, 2025. Carney aimed to position Canada as a global leader, reduce economic dependency on the U.S., and foster consensus among G7 nations. However, Trump’s early exit and the Israel-Iran conflict upended Carney’s carefully planned agenda. Analysts noted Carney’s diplomatic approach, emphasizing consistency in public and private statements to avoid the derailment seen at the 2018 G7 summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, when Trump clashed with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
John Kirton, director of the G7 Research Group at the University of Toronto, praised Carney’s efforts to treat Trump as an equal while maintaining summit discipline. Potential Canadian wins included progress toward a new trade and security deal with the U.S., though details remained pending.
Security and Public Response
The Kananaskis summit was one of Canada’s largest security operations, with fish and wildlife officers and police patrolling the remote resort area. Protesters, directed to areas far from the summit site, livestreamed demonstrations to the restricted zone, reflecting a modern twist on public dissent. The risk of major incidents was deemed low, but the summit’s high-profile nature required extensive precautions.
Looking Ahead
As the G7 Summit 2025 drew to a close, leaders expressed cautious optimism about managing global crises but acknowledged the challenges posed by diverging priorities. The absence of a comprehensive joint communiqué highlighted the difficulty of achieving consensus in a fractured geopolitical landscape. With Trump set to host the 2027 G7 summit, the group faces a pivotal moment in redefining its role amid shifting global alliances.
The G7’s next steps will likely focus on implementing the summit’s limited agreements, particularly on de-escalating the Israel-Iran conflict and supporting Ukraine. For now, the world watches as leaders navigate an increasingly volatile international stage.
