India at the G7: A Strategic Voice in Global Defence Dialogue
By leena
Abstract
By now, issues like giving a strong expression by India on terrorism and United Nations reform and defence innovation through youth (iDEX and ADITI) are discussed. India’s presence at the 2025 G7 Summit marks a shift away from passive participation toward taking centre stage in global defence issues. Focusing on the ethical governance of AI, continued widening of diplomatic renewal, and deepening of interoperability with G7 countries, India extends its remit as a rule-maker and bridge between the developed and developing worlds. Strategic autonomy, techno literacy, and inclusive diplomacy, all hallmark features of the long-term vision, are evidence of India’s growing clout in reengineering the norms of international security.
Keywords: India at G7, defence innovation, terrorism, strategic autonomy, ethical AI, Global South diplomacy.
Introduction
The Group of Seven, or G7, is an informal intergovernmental forum with seven of the most industrialised countries of the world: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union also participates as a “non-enumerated member.” Founded in 1975, the G7 provides a forum to coordinate responses to a variety of global challenges that occur in governance, climate change, technological innovation, and international security. The G7, interestingly, has no formal charter or a permanent secretariat of its own; it exercises power through its annual summits and ministerial meetings.
The global security architecture, however, in recent years, has undergone very profound evolution under the effect of emerging technologies, asymmetric threats, and geopolitical realignments. State actors in traditional security concepts have been increasingly challenged by regional actors with a changing nature of warfare-from conventional state-on-state military operations to cyber intrusions, AI-enabled conflict, and hybrid threats. Within this dynamic scenario, India’s defence posture gained considerable maturity. Counter-terror operations and strategic deterrence, indigenous R&D, and space-based surveillance are areas where India appears to have taken huge strides. India is increasingly viewed as a credible and capable security partner.
The participation of India in the 2025 G7 Summit thus forms a key strategic inflexion point. India no more remains a mere passive observer but is now participating in the global defence dialogue through calibrated diplomacy, innovation by the youth, and principled leadership. Prime Minister Modi’s heartfelt speaking engagements on terrorism, AI governance, and the equity of the Global South paint a picture of how the country is not only asserting itself but also helping to shape a global order that is inclusive and, above all, ethical. India, therefore, thrusts itself into a role as a defence-governance rule-maker in principle on responsible technology, strategic autonomy, and multilateralism, thus bridging the divide between the G7 economies and emerging economies.
India’s Strategic Position at the G7
India’s strategic positioning at the initial G7 Summit signifies a transformation in India’s global engagement, from a spectator on the sidelines to a prime voice in shaping discourse worldwide. In the absence of geopolitical mutiny and the face of technological vandalism and climate-induced instability, India’s presence in the G7 testifies to the rising economic clout and diplomatic agility of India, along with its norm-setting leadership.
Rising economic and geopolitical relevance.
Most visible, however, has been India’s recent ascendancy, given the explosion of its economic and geopolitical relevance. Having posted GDP growth rates that outpaced most G7 nations in several years, India had, by then, emerged as the fifth-largest economy and a front-line driver of global demand. Having built a rather strong digital infrastructure, and given that manufacturing is now on the upswing, with India investing in future-critical technologies, the country seems best placed to partner in building global supply chains. At the G7 Summit in 2025, India will be endorsing the Critical Minerals Action Plan; with increasing defence exports of ₹23,662 crore in FY25 from ₹686 crore in FY14, it is becoming an ever-larger force to reckon with in global safeguarding of trade and technology ecosystems.
Role as a voice for the Global South.
Acts of representing the Global South, points asserting the new and emerging role for India are of equal importance. Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar maintained that India will continue to raise the concerns of the developing world, more particularly, interrogating climate finance, equity in energy, and technological monopolies. India’s call for development, which is inclusive, along with the launching of mega projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), displays intent to be a link between advanced and emerging economies. While acting as the diplomatic link, India therefore raises the concerns of the Global South and adds value to its strategic leverage in multilateral settings.
India’s push for multipolarity and inclusive governance.
Furthermore, another landmark for India’s G7 engagement stands, namely, India’s demand for multipolarity and inclusive governance. In an increasingly asymmetrical and bloc-driven world, India supports a more even-handed approach that does not bind it in exclusive alignments. Its strategic autonomy has empowered India to cooperate with the Western democracies on the gamut of climate, trade, and technology issues while simultaneously cementing relations with BRICS and regional partners. It is this very balancing that appears to manifest in India’s pragmatic approach to global conflicts, such as its call for direct Russia-Ukraine talks and its critique of unilateral sanctions.
Furthermore, India’s insistence on reform of global institutions such as the UN Security Council and the Bretton Woods system translates into changing the international order to be more in tune with contemporary realities. By focusing on fair representation and inclusive decision-making, India stands to further affirm its identity as rule rule-shaper, not a rule-taker. Simply put, this strategic position of India in the G7 is more than symbolic; it is substantive, attesting to a country that is confident of its abilities and imbued with a sense of responsibility to transform the global order towards a more balanced and inclusive one. Through a sustained claiming of its space in the defence, tech, and diplomatic arenas, we could see the Indian presence in the G7 transition from that of a ‘guest’ to an ‘indispensable partner’ in defining the future of global governance.
Key Defence Priorities Highlighted at the Summit
India’s defence agenda was the fulcrum at the 2025 G7 Summit, demonstrating a strong and unrelenting position against terrorism and regional security. The speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not just a diplomatic remark; it was a strategic articulation of India’s emerging role as a global security stakeholder. His words, spoken in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead, reaffirmed India’s zero tolerance policy and call for global accountability.
Firm stance on terrorism and regional stability.
India’s determination to wage a war against terrorism was stated with eloquence and passion. Modi termed the attack at Pahalgam as an assault on the very soul, identity, and dignity of India and appealed to the world to take categorical action against terrorism in all its manifestations. Urged the G7 to move beyond rhetorical denunciations and take concrete actions toward punishing states hosting or harbouring terrorist groups. This involved a sharp attack on world double standards when some states are swift to sanction for economic or political motives, but prefer to stay quiet or remain complicit when the issue is terrorism. Modi’s message was clear: supporting terrorism must carry consequences, and silence is tantamount to betrayal of humanity.
Call for UN reforms and accountability for state-sponsored terrorism.
India also utilised the summit to appeal for reform within the United Nations, specifically in the way it combats state-sponsored terrorism. In his address to the UN soon after the summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pressed for the need to uncover and undermine state actors who employ terrorism as a strategic weapon. He called for the global community to disown impunity, proxy wars, and nuclear extortion, validating India’s call for an enhanced and more transparent international security architecture4. India’s diplomatic efforts after Operation Sindoor, its counter-attacks against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, were presented as a legitimate exercise of self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Endorsement of global counter-terror frameworks.
Together with these demands for responsibility, India committed to international counter-terror models and initiated new mechanisms for intelligence exchange and concerted action. Modi called for a G7 Counter-Terror Intelligence Grid, with India as a central node for the region of South Asia. Modi also reaffirmed support for the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), a decades-long pending UN proposal that India has long supported. The aim is to develop a definition of terrorism that can be accepted universally and impose binding legal obligations on member states.
India’s stance also found resonance with a number of G7 leaders, who denounced the Pahalgam attack and were critical of rising tensions in South Asia. The final communiqué of the summit also echoed the common desire for regional stability and the recognition of India’s strategic value in the fight against terrorism.
Defence Innovation and Youth-Led Technologies
India’s young workforce, with its opportunity of a population half-termed, has become transformative in the country’s defence innovation ecosystem, driving the pursuit of Indigenous research, disruptive technologies, and strategic autonomy. With more than 65% of the population aged below 35, India has a demographic dividend unique enough to reorient the future of warfare and national security.
Role of India’s young workforce in defence startups and indigenous R&D.
The rise of the youth, most of them headed defence startups, is at the centre of this transformation, with many having moved from garage prototypes to suppliers of mission-critical hardware to the Indian Armed Forces. Platforms such as iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) have made it conducive for young innovators to design solutions in traditionally foreign-dependent areas. These schemes offer them grants, mentorship, and an accelerated procurement mechanism worth up to ₹25 crore that allows startups to scale fast and synchronize with the actual operational requirements.
Innovations in combat robotics, autonomous drones, and green propulsion.
Combat robots and autonomous systems are perhaps the most exciting domains in young people’s innovation. Companies like Big Bang Boom Solutions and Optimized Electrotech created anti-drone defense systems, see-through armor for tactical vehicles, and AI-enabled surveillance payloads. These technologies are not only improving battlefield situational awareness but also responding to human threat in hostile terrain. In parallel, swarm drones and loitering munitions offered by companies such as NewSpace Research & Technologies are revolutionizing tactical operations with precision targeting and autonomous reconnaissance. Green propulsion technologies are picking up pace in the aerospace sector. Companies such as Bellatrix Aerospace have developed environmentally friendly thrusters for microsatellites that help India in its mission towards sustainable space and defense technology. These technologies complement the world’s march toward low-emission, high-efficiency platforms and make India a responsible technology leader.
Strategic autonomy through Make in India and ADITI/iDEX schemes.
The Make in India initiative has raised the voice of youth even more for defence manufacturing. Defence exports have gone up from ₹686 crore in FY14 to over ₹23,000 crore in FY25, with significant contributions coming from startups and MSMEs. Rising young entrepreneurs are contributing to indigenous growth of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electronic warfare systems, and simulation software for stealth and radar analysis. This shift not only reduces dependence on foreign suppliers but also boosts India’s strategic autonomy in important areas.
Essentially, India’s youth are not merely contributors but designers of a new defence landscape. Their innovations are making warfare capabilities faster, smarter, and more ethical, and bolstering India’s status as a global defence technology hub. As the ADITI and iDEX models mature further, synergy between young innovators and national security requirements will be critical in designing a strong and self-sufficient future
Diplomacy and Strategic Collaborations
Bilateral resets with Canada, Germany, and Mexico.
One of the most notable developments was the bilateral reset with Canada, following nearly two years of diplomatic strain. The Canadian PM Mark Carney’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi proved to be a turning point, as both the leaders decided to re-establish high commissioners and resume ministerial-level discussions. The freeze was broken by mutual interests in clean energy, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure. Even as the tension remained over diaspora politics and earlier charges, both sides underlined the need to restore normalcy and capitalize on their strong people-to-people connections. Trade between the two nations had persisted throughout the diplomatic cold war, and the resumption of ties reflects a pragmatic shift towards economic and strategic cooperation
India’s dialogue with Germany underscored the maturity of the strategic partnership. Modi and Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s session focussed on enhancing cooperation in defence manufacturing, green mobility, and anti-terror cooperation. Germany’s articulation of support for India’s proposals for terrorist attacks and interest in co-developing surveillance and cyber defence technologies indicate a nascent convergence on security priorities. The two nations also discussed collaborative R&D on quantum computing and AI ethics, showing mutual commitment to responsible stewardship of tech.
Participation in defence exercises (Malabar, Garuda, etc.).
In addition to bilateral exercises, India’s involvement in multilateral defence exercises such as Malabar and Garuda indicated that India’s interoperability was increasing with G7 militaries. Malabar 2024, which was conducted in the Bay of Bengal, was a trilateral exercise with America, Japan, and Australia involving surface, subsurface, and air warfare. Apart from increasing tactical synergy, these exercises also guarantee India’s commitment towards a free and open Indo-Pacific. Likewise, Garuda with France demonstrated India’s air combat fighting capability and its willingness to undertake high-end joint operations.
Interoperability and co-development initiatives with G7 nations.
India also encouraged co-development initiatives with G7 nations, specifically in defense technology and supply chain resilience. Under the iDEX and ADITI programs, startups led by youngsters are designing autonomous drones, green propulsion systems, and AI-based surveillance platforms in collaboration with international partners. These efforts reflect India’s shift from buyer to builder, prioritizing indigenous innovation and strategic autonomy.
Strategic Recommendations
Establishment of G7–Global South AI Ethics Forum.
Establishing a G7–Global South AI Ethics Forum, a global multilateral forum to standardize responsible AI. Given the growing integration of AI technologies into defence systems, surveillance, and decision-making, action on ethical guardrails is urgently required. India, having led initiatives such as BHASHINI and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), is well placed to lead this discussion. The forum would convene G7 countries and Global South actors to co-design principles of transparency, accountability, and human-centred AI. It may also coordinate collaborative research into watermarking deepfakes, addressing algorithmic bias, and AI regulation in accordance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Institutionalizing this forum, India can ensure that technological advancements benefit democratic values and do not widen global disparities.
Expand youth innovation exchanges through Defence Innovation Fellowships.
This would lead to fellowships for innovative youth exchanges through Defence Innovation Fellowships. India’s demographic advantage 68% of its population aged 15–64, presents a special occasion to prepare a future-ready defence ecosystem. Youth-led startups are already in the race through iDEX and ADITI to build autonomous drones, green propulsion systems, and AI bots for surveillance. An equivalent of a G7-backed fellowship program would be an opening for young technologists, researchers, and defence entrepreneurs to collaborate across borders. These participants would take part in joint R&D, policy labs, and field deployments that would build a capacity for co-creation and strategic trust. This platform would empower youth, strengthening innovation diplomacy and dual-use technology development among allied countries.
Launch the G7 Counter-Terror Intelligence Grid and promote coordinated defence diplomacy.
Setting up the Counter-terrorism Intelligence Grid with India as a key node for South Asia. The Indian polity has reasserted its zero-tolerance attitude towards terrorism following the Pahalgam incident on 22 April and Operation Sindoor. This intelligence grid would share information in real time, jointly analyze threats, and coordinate counterterrorism operations between the G7 and partner countries. Further, this intelligence grid could incorporate cyber intelligence, tracking of illicit finances, and border surveillance to cash in on terror financing and transnational networks. From India’s point of view, being experienced in intelligence fusion and strategically placed is beneficial. Adding on, this grid has the capacity to further India’s call for UN reforms and worldwide accountability for state-sponsored terrorism.
Conclusion
India’s presence at the 2025 G7 Summit is a turning point in its transformation from a regional power to a global rule-shaper. No longer satisfied with passive membership, India is proactively shaping the bounds of international defence debate, technological regulation, and strategic partnership. Its confident voice on terrorism, responsible AI, and equitable development indicates a state that is not just responding to global trends but shaping them.
India’s long-term vision is rooted in three pillars: ethical warfare, technological leadership, and strategic autonomy. By promoting AI governance under International Humanitarian Law, India is establishing moral parameters in the age of algorithmic warfare. Its youth-powered innovation ecosystem, supported by programs like iDEX and ADITI, is creating indigenous capabilities in combat robotics, autonomous drones, and green propulsion technologies that will define the future battle space. While India’s focus on self-dependence in defence production and exports boom indicates a shift from dependence to deterrence.
Equally significant is India as a bridge across global fault lines. Whether playing the role of a champion of Global South concerns or performing bilateral resets with the G7 countries, India is showcasing that diplomacy and development can indeed live together. Its capacity to work with Western democracies while preserving strategic autonomy enables it to mediate, cooperate, and lead without undermining national interests.
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