Congress Questions Modi’s Economic Claims Ahead of G7 Summit Invitation by Canadian PM Carney

NEW DELHI (June 7, 2025)

PM Modi G7 Summit 2025: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for his visit to Canada for the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, the Congress party has taken a sharp dig at his claim regarding India’s economic ranking. The party questioned whether Modi would “update” his newly elected Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, on India’s recent claim of becoming the world’s third-largest economy. {Acc to PTI}

Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, referred to Modi as the “Swayam Udghoshit Vishwaguru” — a satirical jab at the PM’s frequent portrayal as a global statesman. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh wondered whether the Indian PM would bring up the economic status during his bilateral interactions at the G7.

Modi to Attend G7 Summit in Canada

PM Modi on Friday confirmed that he would participate in the G7 Summit, scheduled between June 15 and June 17, 2025, at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. While India is not a member of the G7 — a group comprising the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan — it has been regularly invited as a guest in recent years due to its growing geopolitical and economic influence.

Carney, a renowned economist and former Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, had stated that India — as the fifth-largest economy and the most populous country — deserves a seat at the table, especially considering its role in global supply chains.

Conflicting Claims on India’s Economic Rank

The heart of Congress’s criticism lies in the discrepancy between Indian and global assessments of the country’s economic status. Referring to a press conference on May 24, following the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting chaired by PM Modi, Jairam Ramesh highlighted that the CEO of NITI Aayog had “dramatically” announced that India had surpassed Japan to become the third-largest economy in the world, based on GDP in nominal terms.

This claim, however, appears to conflict with Carney’s recent remarks, where he still referred to India as the fifth-largest economy globally.

“Perhaps, India’s first SUV — Swayam Udghoshit Vishwaguru — can update his Canadian counterpart when the two meet in a few days,” Ramesh remarked sarcastically.

Congress Seeks Clarity on Economic Data

Ramesh’s comments reflect a broader concern from the opposition about transparency and accuracy in official economic projections and announcements. While some international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank periodically update economic rankings, there is often a lag between real-time national data and global acknowledgement, especially when GDP numbers are volatile due to currency fluctuations or inflation.

Despite the controversy, there’s no denying India’s economic momentum, driven by strong service exports, robust consumption, and increased infrastructure spending. However, Congress insists that such claims should be substantiated and consistent with global assessments, especially when used in high-stakes international diplomacy like the G7.

Typical of Modi Govt: the First Announce Second Think (FAST). There is chaos in the management of the Indian Railways which no frequent and glitzy inaugurations can compensate for. https://t.co/It4Vmne3Wx

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 7, 2025

India’s Role at the G7: Strategic & Symbolic

This year’s G7 Summit holds particular significance. With Carney, a first-time Canadian PM, hosting the event, global leaders are expected to focus on geopolitical tensions, climate action, and economic resilience. India’s participation is crucial given its role in global South diplomacy, digital innovation, and strategic balancing between Western powers and the Global South.

PM Modi has attended five consecutive G7 Summits in the past, reinforcing India’s growing voice in world affairs. Yet, Congress’s remarks hint at the increasing domestic scrutiny of how India’s international image is portrayed and the veracity of claims made on global platforms.

Final Word

As the world watches the G7 leaders converge in Canada, the focus will not only be on the global economic agenda but also on how India projects itself under Modi’s leadership. Will the PM address the discrepancy in India’s economic ranking during his interaction with PM Carney? And will this stir more political fireworks back home?

Stay tuned to Taaza Wire for real-time updates from the G7 Summit and India’s evolving diplomatic role on the global stage.

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