Following a personal invitation from Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the invitation to attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, scheduled for later this month. This decision marks a potential turning point in Canada-India relations, which have been strained in recent years.

The invitation comes after speculation that Canada might not extend one to PM Modi, given recent tensions. These tensions arose from allegations made by the previous Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, regarding the Indian government's potential involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian and Khalistani leader. Nijjar was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023, an incident that prompted strong reactions and diplomatic repercussions, including the expulsion of diplomats from both countries.

PM Modi's acceptance of the G7 invitation signals a possible thaw in relations. In a statement, Canadian PM Carney said that he and Mr. Modi had discussed the bilateral relationship, including people-to-people and commercial ties. Carney's office also noted that during the call with PM Modi, both leaders agreed to continue law enforcement dialogue and discussions addressing security concerns.

PM Modi also acknowledged the invitation on social media, stating he was "glad to receive a call" from PM Carney and congratulated him on his recent election victory. Modi further added that 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."

The invitation to PM Modi and his subsequent acceptance have been met with mixed reactions. Some view it as a positive step towards mending strained relations and reaffirming India's importance on the global stage. India is not a member of the G7, but PM Modi has been invited to all summits since 2019. His presence at the summit will provide an opportunity to meet with leaders from other G7 nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, and Germany.

Conversely, the invitation has been condemned by some members of Canada's Sikh community. Some view the invitation as a betrayal, not just of their community, but of core Canadian values. Nijjar was a prominent figure in British Columbia's Sikh community.

Despite these concerns, PM Carney has defended his decision to invite PM Modi, emphasizing the importance of having India at the table for key discussions. The G7 summit is scheduled to take place from June 15-17. The discussions during the summit are expected to cover a range of global issues, and PM Modi's participation will provide India with an opportunity to share its perspective and contribute to finding solutions to pressing challenges.