Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday said that India’s scale and economic strength warranted a seat at the G7 summit, explaining why he extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi despite lingering tensions between the two countries over the Khalistan issue.
“There are certain countries that should be at the table for those discussions… India is the fifth-largest economy in the world, effectively the most populous country, and central to several supply chains,” Carney said, justifying the invite in his capacity as G7 chair.
He added that the two nations had also agreed to continue dialogue on law enforcement issues, marking what he called “some progress” on accountability concerns.
“I extended the invitation to Prime Minister Modi in that context, and he has accepted,” he said.
The invitation comes amid strained bilateral relations following the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, labelled a terrorist by India, on Canadian soil—an issue that severely damaged ties during Justin Trudeau’s tenure.
When asked whether this history affected his decision, Carney said it would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing legal process that is “quite advanced” in Canada.
Modi confirmed his participation and said both nations would engage with “renewed vigour” going forward.
“Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month… India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests,” he said in a post on X.
Ties between India and Canada had sharply deteriorated during Trudeau’s premiership, largely over Khalistani separatist activities and their links to violent incidents.
Canada is set to host the G7 summit in Kananaskis from June 15 to 17, bringing together leaders from the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada, along with representatives from the EU, IMF, World Bank, and UN.
Discussions will centre on global flashpoints including the Russia-Ukraine war and rising tensions in West Asia.
(With inputs from IBNS)
