Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing both support and criticism for extending an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. The invitation comes amidst strained relations between Canada and India following allegations of Indian government involvement in the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Despite these tensions, Carney has defended his decision, emphasizing India's significance on the global stage, while acknowledging progress in law enforcement dialogues between the two nations.
Carney highlighted India's position as the world's fifth-largest economy and its central role in various global supply chains as key reasons for the invitation. He stressed the importance of including India in discussions on critical issues such as energy security, the digital future, and critical minerals, noting that these are vital topics for the G7 agenda. Carney also pointed out that partnerships in building infrastructure in the developing world are part of the agenda, further underscoring India's relevance to the discussions.
The invitation to Modi signals a potential thaw in Canada-India relations, which deteriorated significantly after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of involvement in Nijjar's death. Nijjar, a vocal advocate for a separate Sikh state called Khalistan, was shot and killed outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. India has denied the allegations, calling them "preposterous," but the situation led to both countries expelling diplomats and a freeze in many forms of cooperation.
Modi accepted the invitation and expressed his gratitude to Carney in a post on X, stating that India and Canada, as vibrant democracies with strong people-to-people ties, would work together with renewed vigor, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. He also conveyed that he was looking forward to meeting Carney at the summit.
However, Carney's decision has drawn criticism, particularly from within his own Liberal party and from members of Canada's Sikh community. Critics argue that inviting Modi sends the wrong message given the unresolved allegations and ongoing investigation into Nijjar's murder. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal, representing a riding with a large Sikh population, expressed disagreement with Carney's decision, noting that many of his constituents are outraged. Some question the appropriateness of hosting Modi while the investigation into Nijjar's death remains active.
Carney addressed these concerns by stating that Canada is a country of the rule of law and that the legal process should proceed without disruption. He also mentioned that there had been progress in law enforcement dialogue between the two countries, which "recognizes issues of accountability." He hinted that other G7 members were also keen on seeing the Indian leader's participation.
The G7 summit is scheduled to begin on June 15. Carney has outlined Canada's priorities for the summit, which include securing partnerships, building energy security, and protecting communities by countering foreign interference and transnational repression. The inclusion of India in the summit is expected to facilitate discussions on these critical global issues, leveraging India's economic and geopolitical influence.
