Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed his attendance at the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, following a formal invitation extended by Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney. This development marks a notable moment in the complex relationship between the two countries, which has faced significant challenges in recent years.
The announcement followed a phone conversation between Modi and Carney on Friday. According to a statement released by Carney’s office, both leaders agreed to maintain ongoing communication. Modi publicly acknowledged the invitation in a message on social media platform X, expressing his appreciation and stating that he looked forward to engaging with Carney during the summit scheduled for mid-June.
The G7 summit, taking place from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, will focus on global priorities such as international peace, economic stability, and the digital transition. Although India is not a member of the G7, Modi has previously participated in summit discussions, underscoring India’s growing role in global affairs.
This year’s invitation carries particular significance given the diplomatic tensions that have clouded India-Canada relations over the past year.
Diplomatic Strain Following Controversial Allegations
Relations between India and Canada deteriorated sharply following allegations made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist leader based in British Columbia.
Nijjar, an outspoken advocate for Khalistan—a proposed independent Sikh state—was fatally shot outside the Sikh temple he led in Surrey in June 2023. The Indian government had previously designated Nijjar as a terrorist, accusing him of spearheading a militant separatist organization. Supporters of Nijjar have consistently refuted these claims, labeling them baseless.
Canadian authorities subsequently arrested four Indian nationals in connection with Nijjar’s death. Trudeau publicly alleged that agents of the Indian government had orchestrated the assassination, a claim that India vehemently denied as “preposterous.” The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated they possessed credible evidence suggesting Indian involvement in campaigns of violence and extortion within Canada.
The diplomatic fallout was immediate. Both nations expelled their respective senior envoys and several diplomats, plunging relations to their lowest point in years.
Carney’s Pragmatic Approach to Engagement
Despite the unresolved tensions, Mark Carney has opted for a pragmatic approach. Addressing reporters on Friday, Carney defended his decision to invite Modi, emphasizing the importance of including key global players in critical discussions at the G7 summit.
“Certain countries must be at the table when we discuss the world’s most pressing challenges,” Carney stated, underscoring the significance of India’s participation.
The official readout of the Modi-Carney call indicated that both leaders agreed to maintain dialogue on law enforcement and security concerns related to the ongoing allegations.
When asked directly whether he believed Modi was involved in Nijjar’s killing, Carney declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings.
Reaction from Canada’s Sikh Community
Carney’s invitation to Modi has drawn sharp criticism from segments of Canada’s Sikh community. The World Sikh Organisation condemned the move as a betrayal of Canadian Sikhs, while the Sikh Federation of Canada described it as a grave insult to those advocating for justice in Nijjar’s case.
Nijjar, a respected figure within British Columbia’s Sikh population, had reportedly faced threats due to his activism. His supporters maintain that he was targeted for his political views and advocacy for Khalistan.
As of now, a trial date for the four men charged with his murder has not been set.
India’s Role at the G7 Summit
India’s presence at this year’s G7 summit reflects the country’s increasing involvement in global governance forums. While not a member, India has been invited to several previous G7 meetings, recognizing its influence on international issues such as climate change, digital economy, and geopolitical stability.
Carney, who is presiding over this year’s summit, has also extended an invitation to Mexico’s newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum. However, Sheinbaum has yet to confirm her attendance. Other confirmed participants include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. A complete list of invited leaders has not been released yet.
Strategic Implications for Canada-India Relations
Modi’s acceptance of the invitation represents an opportunity to cautiously rebuild diplomatic channels between India and Canada. Both nations share significant economic, cultural, and diaspora ties that have been overshadowed by recent controversies.
Observers note that continued dialogue, such as the one initiated between Modi and Carney, could pave the way for a more stable and constructive relationship. However, progress will likely remain contingent on how the Nijjar case unfolds and whether both sides can navigate the sensitive issues it has raised.
For Canada, balancing domestic concerns—particularly those of its Sikh community—with international diplomacy will require careful consideration. For India, participating in forums like the G7 offers a platform to assert its global standing while addressing security narratives on its own terms.
G7 Summit’s Global Context
This year’s G7 summit comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty. Topics slated for discussion include strengthening international peace efforts, ensuring economic resilience amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts, and managing the rapid evolution of digital technologies.
India’s participation will add a valuable perspective, particularly on issues related to the Global South, climate action, and economic development. As the world’s most populous nation and a leading emerging economy, India’s voice carries weight in shaping global solutions.
As Narendra Modi prepares to attend the G7 summit in Alberta, the meeting offers a complex backdrop of diplomatic challenge and opportunity. While Canada-India relations remain strained, the decision by both leaders to engage reflects a shared recognition of the importance of dialogue.
How the summit proceedings and ongoing investigations will influence future ties between the two countries remains to be seen. For now, Modi’s participation underscores India’s growing role in global affairs—and the enduring need for careful diplomacy in navigating contentious bilateral issues.
