G7 Summit Opens in Kananaskis Amid Global Rifts

The 2025 G7 summit opened in Kananaskis, Canada, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hosting leaders amid escalating tensions, particularly the conflict between Israel and Iran and disputes over U.S. trade tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. The summit has abandoned the traditional joint communique in favor of chair summaries to minimize discord, reflecting previous disruptions attributed to Trump. Leaders such as the UK’s Keir Starmer, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and France’s Emmanuel Macron are prioritizing de-escalation in the Middle East and advancing diplomatic efforts in the Arctic. The agenda also includes building critical mineral supply chains, job creation, and security, though these are overshadowed by geopolitical divisions. Bilateral sideline talks, including a possible meeting between Trump and India’s Narendra Modi, are expected amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. Overall, the summit reveals deepening rifts between the U.S. and its allies on trade and foreign policy, as leaders seek unity in a volatile global climate.