Carney Invites Modi to G7 Summit Amid Diplomatic Tensions
On Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the G7 Summit scheduled for June 15-17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. This move seems to signal Carney’s attempt to mend the diplomatic rift that developed during the latter part of Justin Trudeau’s tenure.
Modi expressed his gratitude on social media, stating that he is looking forward to attending the summit.
While India is not a G7 member—composed of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US—it has been invited to previous summits as a guest since 2019. Other countries, such as South Africa, Australia, Mexico, and Ukraine, have also received invitations to the Alberta Summit.
Carney explained to reporters that he believes India’s growing economic significance and role in global supply chains played a key part in his decision to invite Modi.
“It makes sense because India is the fifth-largest economy globally and possesses a vast population alongside being pivotal in many supply chains,” he noted.
Vina Najibula, Vice President of the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada, highlighted that Canada needs to catch up in strengthening its diplomatic, economic, and defense ties with India. She pointed out that while Canada sits apart from the other G7 members, there’s a clear interest in deepening relationships with India, especially concerning defense technology and economic cooperation.
However, Najibula does not view Carney’s invitation as a way to remedy the friction from the previous administration’s handling of relations with India.
“We need to engage on the global stage, regardless of liking or disliking certain nations,” she stated.
The strained relationship between Canada and India became evident following Trudeau’s remarks in September 2023, where he accused the Modi government of involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver. Though Trudeau later acknowledged that there was no substantial evidence to back his claims, the diplomatic fallout led to both countries expelling diplomats. Additionally, many Sikhs in Canada have urged the Canadian government to act more robustly against the Indian government’s actions. In October 2024, Canada’s Deputy Minister David Morrison claimed that India’s Home Minister Amit Shah organized a campaign against Sikh separatists living in Canada.
India, on its part, dismissed Canada’s allegations as unreasonable, arguing that the Sikh activists pose a significant threat to its security.
Signs of a thaw in relations were first noted in late May, when foreign ministers S. Jaishankar and Anita Anand had a productive conversation, suggesting potential steps forward. Anand described their exchange as “productive” and mentioned the need for a gradual rebuilding of relations.
Foreign analyst KP Fabian recently remarked that Carney, recognizing India’s increasing importance for the G7 nations, felt it necessary to invite Modi. “Carney had no choice; India is essential for supply chain stability and Indo-Pacific balance,” he pointed out.
Yet, when asked about the allegations surrounding Nijjar’s death, Carney took a cautious stance, citing the ongoing investigation by the RCMP and avoiding a direct response. Fabian noted this carefully balanced approach reflects the complexities of Canada’s values in navigating international relations.
