External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s diplomatic agenda was nothing short of packed as he represented India at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara, Canada on November 12, 2025. The gathering, held under Canada’s presidency, saw India participate as an invited partner alongside Brazil, Australia, and South Korea. For Jaishankar, the summit was an opportunity to advance India’s global engagement, strengthen key bilateral partnerships, and amplify the voice of the Global South on the world stage.
Jaishankar’s schedule included a string of high-level meetings, chief among them a much-anticipated discussion with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to posts on X (formerly Twitter) and statements from both sides, the two diplomats focused on bolstering trade ties, securing resilient global supply chains, and tackling major geopolitical challenges. Jaishankar publicly expressed his gratitude for Rubio’s condolences regarding the tragic loss of lives in the Delhi blast on November 10, 2025. "Good to meet @SecRubio this morning at #G7 FMM. Appreciate his condolences on the loss of lives in the blast in Delhi. Discussed our bilateral ties, focusing on trade and supply chains. Exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East/West Asia situation and Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar posted, as reported by The Hindu and Deccan Chronicle.
The meeting underscored a growing convergence between India and the United States on a host of global and regional priorities. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic cooperation and fostering a transparent, rules-based international order. With the world’s political and economic landscape in flux—thanks to ongoing disruptions in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific—India and the U.S. appear increasingly aligned on the need for resilient supply chains and a stable multipolar world order.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar’s participation in the G7 summit highlighted New Delhi’s “continued commitment to working with international partners” and its efforts to strengthen the voice of the Global South in global decision-making forums. The MEA emphasized, “EAM’s participation in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting reflects India’s continued commitment to working with international partners in addressing global challenges and bolstering the voice of the Global South in international fora.” This sentiment was echoed by analysts who noted that India’s engagement at the G7 reinforces its position as a bridge between advanced and developing economies, advocating equitable approaches to challenges like climate change, digital governance, and sustainable growth.
But Jaishankar’s agenda extended well beyond the U.S. relationship. On the sidelines of the summit, he met with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. Their discussions, confirmed by both Jaishankar and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on social media, spanned bilateral ties, regional hotspots, connectivity, and energy. “Met with FM Prince @FaisalbinFarhan of Saudi Arabia. Our interaction covered bilateral ties, regional hotspots, connectivity and energy,” Jaishankar shared. The Saudi Foreign Minister added that they reviewed their countries’ relations and explored ways to enhance and develop cooperation across various fields, while also discussing the latest regional and international developments.
In another key meeting, Jaishankar sat down with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha for what he described as a “useful conversation.” The two discussed Ukraine’s perspective on recent developments, adding another layer to India’s diplomatic outreach at the summit. As reported by Deccan Chronicle, Jaishankar’s engagement with Sybiha was part of a broader effort to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its global implications.
Jaishankar’s diplomatic marathon didn’t stop there. On November 11, he held bilateral meetings with counterparts from Canada, Mexico, France, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Germany. These conversations, while not detailed publicly, were aimed at advancing India’s interests and building partnerships on issues ranging from economic resilience to energy cooperation and Indo-Pacific security. The two-day summit itself focused on global security, economic resilience, energy cooperation, and strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region—areas where India’s strategic perspectives are increasingly valued.
India’s presence at the G7 was not just symbolic. As an invited partner, the country took an active role in discussions on global security and economic stability. Jaishankar also attended a special session on maritime security, joining other G7 foreign ministers in addressing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. This participation aligns with India’s broader goal of ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, a vision shared by several G7 members.
The timing of these diplomatic engagements is notable. Just days before the summit, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that Washington is “very close” to finalizing a new trade deal with India. During the swearing-in of Sergio Gor as U.S. ambassador to India, Trump praised his “fantastic relationship with Prime Minister Modi” and described India as one of America’s “most important international relationships.” The potential trade agreement is expected to boost bilateral commerce and investment, especially in technology, defense, and renewable energy sectors. As reported by The Hindu, India and the U.S. have been expanding cooperation across critical domains, reflecting growing trust and mutual dependence in the evolving Indo-Pacific security landscape.
Throughout the summit, Jaishankar’s actions reflected India’s proactive approach to diplomacy. By engaging with such a broad spectrum of global leaders, India positioned itself as both a representative of the Global South and a key interlocutor for advanced economies. The MEA’s emphasis on “bolstering the voice of the Global South” was evident in India’s advocacy for equitable solutions to pressing global issues, from climate change to digital transformation.
Observers point out that India’s role at the G7 is emblematic of its rising diplomatic clout. The country’s ability to engage constructively with both established powers and emerging economies has made it a sought-after partner in multilateral forums. As the world grapples with complex crises and shifting alliances, India’s balanced, pragmatic approach is increasingly seen as a stabilizing force.
As the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting concluded on November 12, 2025, the message from Niagara was clear: India’s voice matters, and its diplomatic efforts are paying dividends. Whether through strengthening trade ties, advocating for the Global South, or advancing security cooperation, Jaishankar’s whirlwind of meetings showcased India’s growing influence in shaping the global agenda. For those watching the evolving world order, India’s proactive diplomacy at the G7 offers a glimpse of a future where the country plays an ever more central role in international affairs.
