Trump’s G7 Exit Derails Sheinbaum’s Planned Bilateral Debut
Donald Trump’s abrupt departure from the G7 summit in Canada—amid mounting conflict between Israel and Iran—has sidelined what was set to be a high-stakes diplomatic meeting between the U.S. leader and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.For Sheinbaum, this was supposed to be her first face-to-face engagement with Trump, focused on critical topics like U.S. tariffs on Mexican aluminum and steel, the ongoing migrant crisis, and a proposed remittance tax targeting Mexican workers in the United States.
Instead, their only interaction was a brief, cordial phone call. “A good call,” the White House noted. Sheinbaum echoed that tone via social media: “We agreed to work together on the issues that concern both nations.” However, the pivotal in-person meeting remains unscheduled.
Sheinbaum’s Global Diplomacy on Display Despite U.S. Setback
Though denied her main diplomatic test with Trump, Sheinbaum took advantage of the moment to cultivate relationships with global leaders. In her closing speech, she proposed expanding the guest list of the G7 and called for an Economic Well-Being Summit to enhance equitable development and fair trade among nations.Her administration released images of friendly interactions, handshakes, and smiles—particularly with Canadian business leaders open to deepening investment in Mexico’s infrastructure and energy sectors.
Brazil, India, and Europe: Building New Strategic Bridges
Sheinbaum engaged warmly with Brazilian President Lula da Silva and had a notably productive conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi congratulated her on taking office, and the two leaders discussed the potential for Indian investments in Mexico across scientific, agricultural, technological, and critical minerals sectors.Though Mexico is not a G7 member, its invitation by Canadian host Mark Carney was seen as a diplomatic gesture recognizing Mexico’s growing relevance in global affairs. An expected trilateral meeting with Carney and Trump didn’t happen—but Sheinbaum and Carney met privately.
In a symbolic exchange, Sheinbaum gifted Carney a soccer ball crafted by Mexico’s Wixárika Indigenous community, a nod to next year’s World Cup, jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. Carney praised her leadership and emphasized the importance of Mexico’s role in international cooperation, paraphrasing Sheinbaum’s own words: “There’s no progress unless it’s shared.”
Closer Ties with the European Union
Sheinbaum also met with European leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on shared economic interests. The Mexican president extended an invitation to von der Leyen to visit Mexico—a gesture warmly received.“Dear Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico is a key partner for Europe,” von der Leyen wrote, affirming joint commitments on climate, trade, and investment. “We’re looking forward to signing a modernized agreement—and to visiting you in Mexico!”
Present at these talks were top Mexican officials, including Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente, and Security Chief Omar García Harfuch.
World Stage Engagement Despite Uncertainty at Home
While many hoped to see Sheinbaum assert herself in a tense exchange with Trump, the summit still offered her an opportunity to demonstrate diplomatic agility. Leaders from Germany, South Africa, South Korea, the United Nations, and the World Bank all engaged with the Mexican president.As Trump’s international posture grows more unpredictable—reflected in his sudden G7 departure and hardline rhetoric—Mexico’s Sheinbaum is positioning herself as a pragmatic, globally engaged leader focused on multilateral cooperation.
Although key issues like tariffs, migration, and remittances remain unresolved, Sheinbaum leaves the summit with enhanced global visibility, stronger strategic alliances, and a renewed call for inclusive economic development on the world stage.
