Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing strong backlash over his decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 summit, scheduled to be held in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17. The move has drawn criticism—particularly from Sikh advocacy groups—amid an ongoing investigation into the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in which Indian government involvement is suspected.
When asked whether he believed Prime Minister Modi had any role in Nijjar’s murder, Carney declined to respond directly. “There is a legal process that is literally underway and quite advanced in Canada… It’s never appropriate to make comments with respect to those legal processes,” he told reporters.
Four Indian nationals currently residing in Canada have been charged in connection with Nijjar’s death.
Carney’s response against the backlash
On the other hand, India is not a member of the G7 group and is invited as a guest nation. In defence of his decision, Carney mentioned that the invitation has been sent based on India’s global importance. “India is the fifth largest economy in the world, the most populous country, and central to supply chains,” he pointed out. The summit is expected to focus on crucial minerals, AI, and energy collaboration.
PM Modi has confirmed the invitation on the social media post, expressing confidence about India-Canada ties. “As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests,” he stated on X.
India-Canada tensions
The bilateral relationship between the two nations went sour after Canada blamed India for its interference in its elections and its involvement in Nijjar’s murder. These accusations have been dismissed by India. Followed by this, diplomatic expulsions took place on both sides.
Sikh organizations criticised the decision
The World Sikh Organization has sharply slammed Craney’s move. “This is a betrayal, not just of our community, but core Canadian values,” the group president, Dinesh Singh, mentioned as reported by the Guardian.
According to Reuters, Carney highlighted that bilateral law enforcement dialogue has restarted, hinting at limited progress in diplomatic ties. India continues to be Canada’s 10th-largest business partner.