Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta. Despite strained relations between the two countries, Modi has accepted the invitation. Last year, both nations expelled each other’s top diplomats following the killing of a Sikh Canadian activist in Canada and allegations of other crimes.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada expressed anger over the invitation to Modi, urging Carney not to extend it. Tensions persist between Canada and India, particularly concerning accusations of Indian government involvement in the murder of a Canadian activist for Sikh separatism in British Columbia in 2023.
During a phone call between the two leaders, Carney, in his capacity as G7 chair, emphasized the importance of India’s participation in the summit due to its status as the fifth-largest economy and most populous country in the world. Carney highlighted some progress in law enforcement dialogue between the two nations.
Modi welcomed the invitation, acknowledging the deep ties between India and Canada and expressing a commitment to collaboration based on mutual respect and shared interests. However, the invitation has sparked controversy, with some criticizing it as a departure from Canadian values given the anniversary of the assassination of the Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Nijjar’s murder, which took place in Surrey, British Columbia, led to the arrest of four Indian nationals living in Canada. The World Sikh Organization of Canada condemned Carney’s invitation to Modi, characterizing it as a betrayal of Canadian principles.
Overall, the invitation to Modi for the G7 summit comes at a sensitive time in Canada-India relations, marked by ongoing tensions and unresolved allegations.
