Mark Carney Invites Narendra Modi to G7 Summit: A Step Toward Mending Canada-India Ties

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, scheduled for June 15-17, 2025. The announcement, made following a phone call between the two leaders on June 6, signals a potential thaw in Canada-India relations, which have been strained since 2023 over allegations of Indian involvement in the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. As Carney chairs this year’s G7, the move has sparked both optimism and controversy, reflecting a complex diplomatic balancing act.

A Diplomatic Outreach

The invitation comes after Carney’s election victory in April 2025, replacing former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose tenure saw a sharp decline in bilateral ties. In a post on X, Modi expressed gratitude, stating, “Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister

@MarkJCarney

of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month.” He added that India and Canada, as “vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties,” would work together with “renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests.” Carney echoed this sentiment, highlighting India’s role as the world’s fifth-largest economy and its centrality to global supply chains as key reasons for the invite.

The leaders also agreed to continue law enforcement dialogue to address security concerns, a nod to the ongoing investigation into Nijjar’s killing in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. Trudeau had previously accused Indian agents of involvement, leading to reciprocal diplomat expulsions and a diplomatic freeze. Carney’s decision to extend the invitation suggests a pragmatic approach to reset relations, though he refrained from commenting on Modi’s alleged role, citing an active legal process.

Reasons and Reactions

Carney defended the invitation during a press conference, stating, “There are certain countries that should be at the table for those discussions… India is the fifth-largest economy, the most populous country, and central to a number of supply chains, so it makes sense.” He also noted progress in law enforcement cooperation, emphasizing accountability. The G7, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, often invites non-members like India, Ukraine, and Australia as guests, and Modi has attended since 2019.

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Canada’s Sikh community. The World Sikh Organization labeled it a “betrayal of Canadian values,” citing India’s refusal to cooperate with the Nijjar investigation. The Sikh Federation of Canada called it a “grave insult,” reflecting ongoing tensions over Khalistani separatism. Within Carney’s Liberal Party, MP Sukh Dhaliwal, representing Surrey, voiced opposition, mirroring constituents’ sentiments. Conversely, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre supported the invite, citing India’s economic importance and the need for security dialogue.

Context and Implications

The invitation follows a period of strained relations exacerbated by the Nijjar case, with Canada expelling six Indian diplomats in 2023 and India responding in kind. Carney’s outreach aligns with his campaign pledge to diversify trade partnerships amid U.S. tariff threats under President Donald Trump, positioning India as a strategic ally. The summit will address critical issues like energy security, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, where India’s participation is deemed vital.

This diplomatic gesture could pave the way for resuming stalled trade talks, such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and addressing mutual security concerns. However, the lack of resolution on the Nijjar case raises questions about the depth of this reset, with some viewing it as premature given the ongoing RCMP investigation.