Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has staunchly defended his decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 summit, emphasizing India’s global economic and demographic importance. This defense comes amidst a contentious backdrop of Canadian federal police allegations linking the Indian government to the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
During a press conference, Carney skillfully avoided directly addressing whether he believed Modi had a role in Nijjar’s assassination. He cited the ongoing and “quite advanced” legal process in Canada, stating it would be inappropriate to comment on an active investigation. Four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with Nijjar’s murder, which has led to a significant deterioration in Canada-India relations.
The G7 summit, scheduled from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, is a high-profile international event. Carney reiterated that India’s status as the “fifth largest economy in the world” and the “most populous country,” along with its centrality to supply chains, necessitates its leader’s presence for discussions on energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.
This controversial invitation aligns with Carney’s new government’s broader diplomatic efforts to ease international tensions, including normalizing communication with China and resolving trade disputes with the US. However, critics like the World Sikh Organization view the invitation as a serious misstep, arguing it undermines Canadian values and implicitly condones alleged foreign interference.
Carney Defends Modi G7 Invite, Citing India’s Global Clout
