PM Modi Unlikely to Attend G7 Summit in Canada Amid Strained India-Canada Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to visit Canada for the upcoming G7 Summit scheduled between June 15 and 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta.

The summit, hosted by Canada, includes the world’s most industrialised nations—France, Germany, Italy, the UK, Japan, the US, and Canada—along with the European Union.

The International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and the United Nations also participate in the gathering.

Although South Africa, Ukraine, and Australia have reportedly accepted invitations, there is no confirmation regarding Modi’s attendance. India has not yet received a formal invitation, and sources indicate that the Indian side is not inclined to attend under the current diplomatic climate.

No Invitation Extended Yet

According to sources, the Indian government has not received any official communication from Canada regarding an invitation to the summit.

They also noted that the relationship between the two nations needs significant improvement before any high-profile visit by the Indian Prime Minister can occur.

Security concerns would also need to be addressed if Modi were to travel to Canada in the future.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs stated twice that there was “no information” on PM Modi’s participation in the G7 summit in Canada.

Canada Expresses Interest in Improved Ties

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand told The Globe and Mail that the new government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney is interested in building a stronger partnership with India.

However, she acknowledged that the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar had deeply strained the bilateral relationship.

The controversy began when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in Nijjar’s killing.

India strongly rejected the claims, calling them “baseless.” If PM Modi skips this year’s G7 Summit, it will mark the first time in six years that he has not attended.

Diplomatic Reset Still Pending

Despite some positive private exchanges between Ottawa and New Delhi, sources indicated that conditions for a diplomatic reset have not yet materialised.

The bilateral relationship deteriorated significantly after Trudeau’s accusation in September 2023, which India dismissed as “absurd.” Both countries responded by expelling diplomats and downgrading ties.

Mark Carney’s election victory had raised hopes for an improvement in relations, but officials said that the necessary groundwork for a reset is still incomplete.

“A meeting between the top leadership would have heightened expectations for a breakthrough but more work needs to be done for a reset of the relationship,” one source noted.

Long-Standing Invitations and Vacant Diplomatic Posts

Since 2019, PM Modi has attended every G7 Summit through outreach invitations extended by member nations such as France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and Italy.

Sources suggested that a positive step could be the mutual appointment of high commissioners, as both countries currently lack representation due to the diplomatic fallout following the Nijjar case.

India is also concerned about the activities of Khalistani groups in Canada, including the possibility of protests during any official visit by an Indian leader.

Events in Canada Put on Hold

Trade and community organisations had earlier indicated the possibility of PM Modi visiting Canada.

A meeting with CEOs of major Canadian companies was planned in Calgary, and a community interaction in Vancouver was under consideration. However, both events are now on hold and likely to be scaled down.

Canada’s foreign minister, Anita Anand, recently discussed bilateral matters with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and indicated that improving relations would be a gradual process. She stated that it would happen “one step at a time.”

Opposition From Sikh Groups

There is domestic pressure in Canada from pro-Khalistan and anti-India groups to not extend an invitation to Modi. Organisations like Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) have openly declared plans to protest if Modi were to visit.

The Toronto-based Sikh Federation also stated that Canada should withhold any invitation until India shows substantial cooperation with ongoing criminal investigations.

Last year, Trudeau avoided answering whether PM Modi would be invited to the 2025 G7 during a press conference. His comments came after a brief meeting with Modi at the G7 Summit in Italy.

Other Confirmed Guests at G7 2025

Though Canada has not publicly announced the full list of invitees, reports confirm that several leaders have received invitations:

1. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa was invited, as confirmed by the country’s high commission.

2. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on May 4 that he would attend the summit.

3. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed his participation.

4. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged receiving an invitation, though she has not confirmed her attendance.

With invitations extended to several global leaders but not to PM Modi, uncertainty continues to loom over India’s representation at this year’s G7 Summit in Canada.