For the first time in six years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the G7 summit, which will be hosted by Canada in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15-17. While Canada has extended invitations to Australia and Ukraine, the decision regarding India's participation remains pending, creating uncertainty about Modi's presence.
Since 2019, Modi has been a regular invitee to the G7 summits. French President Emmanuel Macron extended the initial invitation in 2019 for the Biarritz summit, and Modi has attended every subsequent summit. However, the strained relations between India and Canada following allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last year have cast a shadow over this tradition.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been evasive when questioned about inviting Modi to the 2025 summit. When asked directly, Trudeau stated he appreciates "the keenness with which Canadians look forward to the next year's G7," but refrained from providing a clear answer. He added that he would have more to say when Canada assumes the G7 presidency.
The absence of an invitation for PM Modi could be interpreted as a missed opportunity for both nations to improve their strained relationship. Despite the tensions, both Modi and Canadian Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland have expressed their commitment to strengthening the partnership. An invitation to the G7 summit would provide a platform for bilateral discussions and help rebuild trust between the two countries.
Several Sikh organizations are urging Canada to withhold an invitation to Modi until India fully cooperates with investigations into the alleged assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and other violent crimes. These organizations believe that inviting Modi without addressing these concerns would be inappropriate.
The G7 summit brings together leaders from the world's seven most economically advanced countries—the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and France—along with the European Union. The host nation traditionally invites additional countries as guests. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have already confirmed their attendance at the 2025 summit.
The decision to invite or not invite India carries significant diplomatic weight. An invitation could signal a thaw in relations and provide an opportunity for dialogue, while its absence could exacerbate existing tensions. As Canada prepares to host the summit, the world will be watching to see how it navigates this complex situation and whether a path toward reconciliation between India and Canada can be found.
