By Rakshit Aggarwal, aggrakshit@gmail.com Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to travel to Canada for the upcoming G7 Summit, scheduled from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, due to ongoing tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi. This would mark the first time since 2019 that Modi would miss the annual gathering of the world’s leading industrialized economies. The Group of Seven (G7) comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The summit also involves key international organizations such as the European Union, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the United Nations. While countries like South Africa, Ukraine, and Australia have confirmed participation following Canada’s invitations, the status of Prime Minister Modi’s attendance remains uncertain. According to media reports, Modi has not yet received an official invitation from Canada. Further complicating the issue are logistical constraints, with sources suggesting that India may be unlikely to accept any last-minute invite due to practical challenges. Security concerns have also been cited as a significant hurdle. Officials suggest that before any future visit by the Indian Prime Minister to Canada, outstanding security issues would need resolution. The backdrop to this development is the worsening bilateral relationship following the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil two years ago. The killing strained ties significantly, with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly stating in Parliament that credible allegations exist regarding India’s involvement in Nijjar’s death. Adding to the diplomatic friction, Sikh separatist groups in Canada recently urged the government under Prime Minister Mark Carney not to invite Narendra Modi to the summit, citing India’s reported refusal to cooperate in investigations related to Nijjar’s assassination. Despite this, the new Canadian administration under Carney has expressed a commitment to improving India-Canada relations. The Canadian Prime Minister openly lobbied for warmer ties and conveyed condolences after the recent Pahalgam terror attack in India, signaling a willingness to rebuild trust. Reflecting this thaw, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand held their first official phone conversation on May 26 since Carney’s government took office, indicating an opening for renewed dialogue. If PM Modi’s absence from the G7 Summit is confirmed, it would underscore the continued complexity and sensitivity of India-Canada relations, at a time when global cooperation and multilateral engagement are increasingly vital.
