In a surprising turn of events, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17, 2025. This invitation, confirmed just days before the summit, comes after a rough patch in India-Canada relations, hinting at a possible fresh start. Here’s the full story in simple terms, with everything you need to know about this major development.
What’s the G7, and Why Was Modi Invited?
The G7 is a group of seven powerful countries: Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. They meet every year to talk about big global issues like trade, security, and technology. India isn’t a G7 member, but it’s been invited as a guest since 2019 because it’s the fifth-largest economy in the world and plays a huge role in global trade and supply chains. On June 6, 2025, Carney called Modi to invite him to the upcoming summit, saying India’s presence is “essential” for discussions on energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Modi accepted, confirming he’ll attend the Alberta meeting.
Why Was the Invite Such a Big Deal?
India and Canada have had a tough relationship since 2023, when Canada’s former leader, Justin Trudeau, accused India of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh activist who supported the Khalistan movement. India denied the claims, calling them “absurd,” and both countries kicked out each other’s diplomats, halting trade talks. This led to speculation that Canada might not invite Modi to the G7, breaking India’s streak of attending every summit since 2019. Some Indian media even reported Modi wasn’t invited, sparking criticism from opposition parties like Congress, who called it a “diplomatic bungle.” Carney’s last-minute invite, pushed by the other G7 countries, shows Canada wants to move past these tensions.
How Did This Invitation Happen?
The other six G7 countries—USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan—urged Canada to invite India because of its growing global influence. Experts say Canada couldn’t ignore India’s economic power and its role in key issues like global supply chains. Carney, who became Canada’s prime minister in April 2025, is trying to rebuild ties after the rocky years under Trudeau. During their phone call, Carney and Modi agreed to keep talking about law enforcement and security concerns, signaling a willingness to work together. This move is seen as Carney’s attempt to balance Canada’s domestic pressures with the need for international cooperation.
What Are People Saying About It?
The invitation has stirred up a lot of reactions. In India, many are thrilled, seeing it as proof of India’s importance on the world stage. Supporters on X called it a “win” for Modi, especially after rumors he was excluded. However, some Indians think Modi shouldn’t go, arguing Canada’s delay in inviting him was disrespectful. In Canada, Sikh groups like the World Sikh Organization are upset, calling the invite a “betrayal” because of the ongoing Nijjar case. They plan to protest Modi’s visit. Carney has stayed quiet on the Nijjar issue, saying it’s a legal matter he can’t comment on.
What Will Modi Do at the G7 Summit?
At the G7, Modi will join world leaders to discuss major topics like the war in Ukraine, climate change, and new technologies like AI. India’s position as a leader in the Global South and its ties with both Western countries and groups like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) make its voice important. Modi is also expected to push for India’s priorities, like better access to climate funding and stronger digital infrastructure. The summit will be a chance for Modi to meet leaders like US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and possibly hold side talks with Carney to ease India-Canada tensions.
Why Does This Matter for India and Canada?
This invitation is more than just a summit invite—it’s a sign that India and Canada might be ready to fix their broken relationship. For India, attending the G7 strengthens its global influence and shows it can’t be left out of big decisions. For Canada, inviting Modi helps Carney show he’s serious about working with major economies, even as he faces pressure from Sikh communities at home. Both countries have strong people-to-people ties, with over 1.7 million Canadians of Indian origin, and trade worth billions. The summit could lead to renewed cooperation, but only if both sides address their differences.
What’s Next?
As the G7 Summit approaches, all eyes will be on Modi’s visit to Canada. Will he and Carney find common ground, or will old tensions resurface? Pro-Khalistan groups have announced protests, which could complicate the visit. India wants Canada to crack down on anti-India activities, while Canada insists on following its legal process in the Nijjar case. The summit will also test the G7’s ability to stay united as groups like BRICS grow stronger. For now, Modi’s attendance is a step toward better ties, but the road ahead won’t be easy.
Last Updated on: Sunday, June 8, 2025 12:12 am by K Nikhil | Published by: K Nikhil on Saturday, June 7, 2025 11:51 pm | News Categories: News, India
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