Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s acceptance of the G7 summit invitation could signal a cautious step towards mending strained Canada-India ties, which were severely damaged by allegations of Indian government involvement in the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The summit offers a potential platform for high-level engagement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who extended the invitation, remained non-committal when asked if he believed Modi had a role in Nijjar’s assassination. He cited the ongoing and “quite advanced” legal process in Canada as the reason for his silence, emphasizing the impropriety of public commentary. Four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with Nijjar’s murder, which led to mutual diplomatic expulsions.
The G7 summit, slated for June 15-17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, is a significant international gathering. Carney defended his decision by highlighting India’s economic and demographic importance, calling it the “fifth largest economy in the world” and “most populous country,” and central to global supply chains. He argued that Modi’s presence is essential for discussions on energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.
Modi, in a statement, expressed his pleasure at receiving the call from Carney and congratulated the Canadian leader on his recent electoral victory. He affirmed India and Canada’s commitment to work “with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests,” indicating a potential desire to overcome current diplomatic challenges through engagement at the summit.