Overview
- The two-day gathering opened Tuesday in Niagara-on-the-Lake with G7 ministers, with Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea and Ukraine invited to join discussions.
- Foreign Minister Anita Anand highlighted priorities that include sustaining Ukraine through winter and pursuing steps toward lasting peace in the Middle East, along with maritime security, Haiti and Sudan.
- The U.S. State Department said strengthening critical mineral supply chains would be a major focus as the G7 advances projects that lessen dependence on China’s processing and refining.
- Anand urged NATO to elevate northern defense and cited Canada’s increased defense spending and a $1 billion Arctic infrastructure fund, while a potential submarine purchase remains under consideration.
- Trade frictions with the United States persist after new tariffs and suspended talks, though U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is holding bilateral meetings and has not raised “51st state” remarks with Anand.