Alberta G7 Summit: Modi’s Presence Ignites Controversy

The upcoming G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, is set to be overshadowed by controversy surrounding the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s invitation to Modi, amidst allegations by Canadian federal police of Indian government involvement in the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has ignited a fiery debate within Canada.
Carney, while defending the invitation, artfully sidestepped direct questions from reporters about whether he personally believed Modi had a hand in the Nijjar assassination. He cited the active and “quite advanced” legal process currently underway in Canada as the reason for his non-committal stance, emphasizing the impropriety of public commentary. Four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with the killing, which severely strained diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The G7 summit, scheduled from June 15 to 17, is a significant international forum. Carney justified his decision by underscoring India’s immense global importance, highlighting its status as the “fifth largest economy in the world” and the “most populous country,” and its integral role in global supply chains. He emphasized that engaging with Modi is crucial for discussions on key global issues such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.
This controversial invitation also fits within Carney’s broader strategy to improve Canada’s international relations. His new government has recently engaged in efforts to normalize communication with China and is in talks with the US to resolve trade tariffs. However, the World Sikh Organization has vehemently condemned the invitation, calling it a “betrayal” of Canadian values and a dangerous capitulation.