Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 summit is being viewed as a risky diplomatic gamble, given the ongoing allegations of Indian government involvement in the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The decision has drawn sharp criticism and highlighted the complex challenges facing Canada’s foreign policy.
Carney, when pressed by reporters, refused to offer an opinion on Modi’s potential role in Nijjar’s assassination. He emphasized that a “legal process that is literally under way and quite advanced in Canada” makes it inappropriate to comment. Four Indian nationals have been charged with Nijjar’s murder, a case that has already led to the mutual expulsion of diplomats and severely damaged Canada-India relations.
The G7 summit, set for June 15-17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, is a key international gathering. Carney defended his decision by emphasizing India’s global clout, describing it as the “fifth largest economy” and the “most populous country,” and central to global supply chains. He argued that engaging with India’s leader is essential for discussing critical topics like energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.
This controversial move is also part of Carney’s new government’s broader strategy to ease tensions with other nations, including recent efforts to regularize communication with China and resolve trade disputes with the US. However, the World Sikh Organization has vociferously condemned the invitation, calling it “shameful and dangerous” and questioning why Canada is treating India differently from other countries accused of similar actions.