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. This move signals a potential thaw in Canada-India relations, which have been strained in recent years. Modi has accepted the invitation and expressed his eagerness to meet Carney at the summit.

The invitation comes after a period of tense relations between Canada and India, sparked by allegations of India's involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, on Canadian soil in June 2023. These allegations led to diplomatic expulsions and strained relations between the two countries. India has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "preposterous."

Despite the ongoing investigation and the sensitivities surrounding the Nijjar case, Carney defended his decision to invite Modi, stating that it is crucial for India to be present at the G7 Summit, where important discussions on global issues, including energy security, global economic stability and the digital transition will take place. He emphasized India's significance in the global supply chain and its key role in addressing these challenges. Carney also consulted with other G7 leaders on the decision.

Modi acknowledged the invitation and thanked Carney in a post on X, expressing optimism for strengthened ties between the two nations. He conveyed that India and Canada, as vibrant democracies with strong people-to-people connections, would collaborate with renewed determination, guided by shared interests and mutual respect.

The Canadian Prime Minister's Office (PMO) released a statement highlighting that during the conversation between Carney and Modi, they addressed the long-standing relationship between Canada and India, including the robust people-to-people connections and substantial commercial ties. Significantly, they concurred on the need for ongoing dialogue between law enforcement agencies and discussions to address security concerns.

The invitation has been met with mixed reactions. While some view it as a necessary step towards mending strained relations and fostering cooperation on key global issues, others, particularly within Canada's Sikh community, have expressed outrage and pain. The World Sikh Organization of Canada condemned the decision, calling it a betrayal of core Canadian values.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the invitation "necessary," saying Canada needs to work with India on trade and security files. He pointed out that India has been at the last six G7 conferences and is one of the biggest and fastest-growing economies in the world and suggested Canada needs to sell natural gas, civilian nuclear power technology and other resource projects to India.

The G7 Summit in Kananaskis is expected to cover a range of critical issues, including international peace and security, global economic stability, and the digital transition. With India's participation, the summit aims to foster collaborative solutions to these pressing global challenges.