Carney Invites Modi to G7 Summit, Signalling Diplomatic Reset
Carney Invites Modi to G7 Summit, Signalling Diplomatic Reset
Politics Punjab TV | Global Affairs Desk | Canada–India Relations
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, signalling a notable thaw in bilateral relations that had been deeply strained in recent years.
The invitation followed a phone conversation between the two leaders on Friday, according to a readout from Carney’s office. Modi later confirmed the invitation in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his gratitude and saying he looked forward to attending the summit, scheduled for 15–17 June in Kananaskis, Alberta.
A Diplomatic Freeze Begins to Thaw
Ties between Canada and India took a severe downturn in 2023 after then–Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused India of involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.
Nijjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan activist, was shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. India labelled him a terrorist and alleged he led a separatist militant group—claims his supporters dismissed as baseless. Four Indian nationals have since been charged in connection with the assassination.
India strongly denied any government role, calling Trudeau’s accusations “absurd and politically motivated”. The fallout led to diplomatic expulsions on both sides.
Carney’s Strategic Outreach
Despite the ongoing investigation, Carney defended his decision to invite Modi, stating that the summit required the participation of influential global voices—even from outside the G7. He also confirmed that both nations had agreed to continue discussions on security and law enforcement cooperation.
“There are critical discussions that certain countries need to be at the table for,” Carney told reporters, when asked about Modi’s attendance.
When pressed on whether he believed Modi had any involvement in Nijjar’s murder, Carney declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal process.
Backlash from Sikh Organizations
The decision sparked backlash among Sikh groups in Canada. The World Sikh Organisation called it a “betrayal of Sikh Canadians,” while the Sikh Federation of Canada labeled the move “a grave insult” to the memory of Nijjar and his supporters.
Nijjar was a well-known figure in British Columbia’s Sikh community and had reportedly received threats prior to his death due to his vocal stance on Khalistan.
A trial date for the four accused men has yet to be announced.
G7 Summit: Key Themes & Attendance
Although India is not a G7 member, Modi has previously been invited to attend as a guest leader. Other leaders expected to join the summit include:
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum (yet to confirm attendance)
Key topics for the 2025 G7 summit include:
International peace and security
Global economic stability
The digital transition
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