Canada PM Faces G7 Backlash Over Modi Invite Amid Murder Probe

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is under fire for extending a G7 summit invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This controversial decision comes despite Canadian federal police alleging that the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil was orchestrated by the “highest levels” of the Indian government. The invitation has sparked outrage, particularly from the World Sikh Organization, which views it as a betrayal of Canadian values and the Sikh community.
Carney, while defending the invitation, sidestepped questions about Modi’s potential involvement in Nijjar’s assassination. He emphasized that a legal process is “literally under way and quite advanced” in Canada, making it inappropriate to comment. Four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with Nijjar’s murder, which has severely strained diplomatic ties between the two nations, leading to the expulsion of top diplomats last year.
The G7 summit, set to run from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, will bring together key world leaders. Carney justified inviting Modi by highlighting India’s economic significance as the “fifth largest economy in the world” and the “most populous country,” deeming it “central to supply chains.” Discussions at the summit are expected to cover critical topics such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.
This move by Carney’s new government also reflects a broader strategy to ease tensions with other countries. The Prime Minister recently held calls with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to regularize communication channels amidst a trade spat and is in talks with US President Donald Trump to resolve tariffs. However, critics argue that inviting Modi, given the serious allegations against India, sets a concerning precedent.