Modi to Attend G7 Summit in Canada: A Diplomatic Reset with PM Mark Carney

Amid diplomatic thaw Modi to Attend G7 Summit in Canada: A Diplomatic Reset with PM Mark Carney. In a major development that signals a thaw in once-frosty India-Canada relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially confirmed his attendance at the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, scheduled from June 15 to 17. The invitation was extended by newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, marking a sharp departure from the diplomatic chill under former PM Justin Trudeau.

The confirmation came after a phone call between the two leaders on Friday, during which Modi congratulated Carney on his recent electoral victory and emphasized a renewed commitment to bilateral cooperation based on “mutual respect and shared interests.”

Modi to Attend G7 Summit in Canada: A Diplomatic Reset with PM Mark Carney

From Deep Freeze to Diplomatic Warmth: What Changed?

Relations between India and Canada reached historic lows in 2023 when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of orchestrating the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani separatist leader, on Canadian soil.

The allegation made without public evidence sparked a tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsion of top envoys and a complete breakdown in bilateral dialogue.

India, strongly denying any involvement, dismissed the accusations as “preposterous” and took reciprocal action by withdrawing diplomats and freezing discussions on trade and strategic cooperation.

However, Carney’s entry into office in April 2025 appears to have set a different tone. Despite belonging to the same Liberal Party as Trudeau, Carney has described the India-Canada relationship as “incredibly important” and emphasized that restoring ties will require respectful dialogue.

Modi’s G7 Attendance: Symbol of Healing

PM Modi, who has attended previous G7 summits as a guest despite India not being a member, expressed his enthusiasm about participating again this year.

“As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit,” Modi wrote on social media platform X.

The move is widely seen as a gesture of reconciliation, both to signal diplomatic reset and to marginalize Khalistani influence in Canadian politics, which many in India see as an obstacle to stronger bilateral ties.

Why Carney Invited Modi Despite Controversy

At a press briefing, Prime Minister Carney defended the decision to invite Modi amid continued backlash from Sikh advocacy groups in Canada. He emphasized India’s geopolitical and economic importance, calling it “essential” for India to be at the table during high-stakes discussions on global security, economic stability, and supply chain resilience.

“India is the fifth-largest economy in the world, the most populous nation, and central to global supply chains. It makes sense to have them at the G7,” Carney explained.

He added that there has been some “progress” on law enforcement dialogue, hinting that security and accountability remain on the radar during bilateral engagements.

Sikh Groups React With Outrage

Not everyone in Canada is pleased with Modi’s invitation. The World Sikh Organization of Canada condemned Carney’s decision, calling it a “betrayal of Canadian values” and citing the ongoing legal proceedings in the Nijjar case.

“The summit to which Mr. Modi is being invited falls on the anniversary of the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar two years ago. This is shocking and unacceptable,” said Balpreet Singh, the group’s spokesperson.

Four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with Nijjar’s murder, and legal proceedings are ongoing. Carney, however, refrained from commenting directly on whether Modi had any role in the incident, citing the need to respect ongoing investigations.

Strategic Importance of the Modi-Carney Meeting

India is Canada’s 10th largest trading partner, and Canada is the top exporter of pulses a staple commodity for Indian markets.

With Carney openly aiming to diversify trade beyond the U.S., the diplomatic reset could open new avenues in technology, agriculture, education, and clean energy.

Both leaders acknowledged the need for continued dialogue on law enforcement and security cooperation, signaling that while sensitive issues remain, there is mutual will to engage constructively.

Who Else Is Attending the 2025 G7 Summit?

Alongside India, several non-G7 nations have also been invited to participate in the summit:

• Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed his attendance.
• Australian PM Anthony Albanese has accepted the invitation.
• Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has acknowledged the invite but remains undecided.
• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has also received an invitation.

The summit will address critical global issues, including international peace and security, economic stability, and the digital transition, making Modi’s presence highly relevant.

A Calculated Step Toward Rebuilding Ties

The decision by PM Modi to attend the G7 Summit in Canada is more than symbolic it’s a calculated move to re-engage with a major partner at a time of shifting global alliances. For Carney, it marks a chance to step out from Trudeau’s shadow and reshape Canada’s foreign policy in a pragmatic direction.

While deep-rooted issues like the Khalistan movement and the Nijjar case still linger, both sides appear willing to set a new tone. With Modi’s visit to Kananaskis now confirmed, the world will be watching closely to see whether this meeting becomes a milestone in India-Canada diplomacy or just a temporary pause in a turbulent relationship.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As the G7 Leaders’ Summit 2025 approaches, the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Canada could represent a crucial turning point in India-Canada relations. Whether this diplomatic gesture leads to a deeper resolution of grievances or remains a one-off event depends on what follows after the photo ops and summits. But for now, the world can expect an engaging and perhaps healing conversation when the two leaders meet face to face in Alberta later this month.

Also Read: India at the G7 Summit: Why Canada’s Invite to PM Modi Signals a Global Reset

Also Read: Canada’s PM faces backlash for inviting India’s Narendra Modi for G7 summit