In a notable diplomatic development, Mark Carney, the Canadian Prime Minister, has now reportedly invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta.
This invitation reflects a potential easing of tensions between the two nations, which have been strained in recent years due to serious allegations involving India’s alleged involvement in a political assassination on Canadian soil.
The invitation was confirmed during a phone call between Carney and Modi, with the Indian leader expressing his gratitude and anticipation for the meeting.
Modi’s participation in the G7, scheduled for mid-June, comes at a time when relations between Canada and India have been at a low ebb, particularly following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist, in June 2023.
Nijjar, who advocated for the creation of Khalistan, a separate state for Sikhs, was killed outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia.
Following his death, Canadian authorities, including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, alleged that Indian government agents were involved.
India has categorically denied these allegations, describing them as “preposterous,” leading to a significant diplomatic fallout that saw both countries expelling each other’s diplomats.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Carney defended his decision to invite Modi, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation among nations.
While India is not a G7 member, Modi has previously attended G7 meetings, and Carney noted that critical discussions at this summit warranted the participation of key international players.
The backlash from Canada’s Sikh community has been pronounced. Critics, including the World Sikh Organisation, have condemned the invitation as a betrayal of Sikh Canadians, expressing concerns over the implications of engaging with a leader accused of complicity in the assassination.
Nijjar’s supporters have stated that he faced threats due to his activism, further complicating the narrative surrounding his death.
As the G7 summit approaches, Carney has also extended an invitation to Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, although she has yet to confirm her attendance.
Notable leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, are expected to participate.
The G7 discussions are set to cover a range of pressing global issues, including international peace, security, and economic stability.
Carney’s invitation to Modi may signal a strategic pivot, as Canada seeks to balance its foreign relations in a complex geopolitical landscape.
The forthcoming summit could serve as a platform for addressing not only bilateral issues between Canada and India but also broader international concerns, potentially paving the way for a renewed partnership amid lingering disputes.
As both leaders prepare for their meeting, the world will be watching closely to see if this diplomatic engagement can foster a more constructive relationship moving forward.
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