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, 2025. This move signals a potential thaw in Canada-India relations, which have been strained in recent years.

The invitation comes after a phone call between the two leaders, during which Carney congratulated Modi on his recent election victory. Modi accepted the invitation and expressed his gratitude in a post on X, stating that India and Canada would "work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests."

Carney defended his decision to invite Modi despite ongoing tensions, emphasizing India's economic significance and its role in global supply chains. He noted that India is the world's fifth-largest economy and the most populous country, making its presence essential for discussions on global priorities such as energy security, the digital future, critical minerals, and infrastructure partnerships. Carney also highlighted progress in law enforcement dialogue between the two countries, addressing "security concerns."

The relationship between Canada and India has been strained since former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June 2023. Nijjar, a vocal advocate for a separate Sikh state in India, was shot and killed outside a Sikh temple. India has denied the allegations, calling them "preposterous." The dispute led to both countries expelling top envoys and diplomats. Four Indian nationals have been arrested and charged in connection with Nijjar's death, with a trial date yet to be set.

The invitation to Modi has drawn criticism from some members of Canada's Sikh community. The World Sikh Organization of Canada expressed their disappointment, calling it a "betrayal of Sikh Canadians," while the Sikh Federation of Canada deemed it a "grave insult." Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal also voiced disagreement with Carney's decision, stating that many of his constituents reached out in "outrage".

Despite these concerns, Carney's invitation is viewed by some as a pragmatic step towards improving diplomatic relations with India, a country with increasing global influence. Vina Nadjibulla of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada believes it was the right call, emphasizing India's economic importance and its participation in the last six G7 meetings. Several G7 member countries were keen on seeing the participation of the Indian leader.

The G7 summit agenda includes discussions on international peace and security, global economic stability, and the digital transition. Other invitees include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and potentially Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

As the G7 summit approaches, the invitation to Prime Minister Modi highlights the complex balancing act between addressing human rights concerns and engaging with a major global player.