Prime Minister Mark Carney has justified his choice to include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 summit in Alberta, despite recent allegations from the RCMP against Modi’s government. Carney, serving as this year’s G7 chair, emphasized the importance of India’s presence in Kananaskis due to its significant size and crucial role in the global supply chain, especially in discussions on energy security and critical minerals. He confirmed consulting with other G7 leaders before extending the invitation to Modi.
Carney expressed optimism about India’s increased willingness to cooperate with ongoing Canadian investigations. He highlighted progress in law enforcement dialogue between the two countries. The invitation to Modi was extended in this context, and Modi accepted the offer, as announced earlier on Friday.
The decision to invite Modi drew immediate criticism, given Canada’s public accusations against members of the Indian government regarding violent activities on Canadian soil. The RCMP previously made serious allegations implicating Indian government agents in acts of violence, including homicides. The accusations included the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian advocate for Sikh separatism.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada and the Sikh Federation of Canada voiced strong objections to the invitation, citing betrayal and insult to the Sikh community. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal, representing the area where Nijjar was killed, also criticized the move, emphasizing the importance of justice and non-interference by foreign agents.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme stated that there is compelling evidence implicating the highest levels of the Indian government in orchestrating violent campaigns on Canadian soil. The RCMP’s comments followed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s murder in 2023.
Leaders from the G7 nations, including the European Commission president, are set to gather in Alberta for high-level meetings. Despite the backlash, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre defended the invitation, emphasizing the necessity of engaging with India on trade and security matters. The NDP urged Carney to rescind the invitation, condemning the move as undermining efforts to hold foreign powers accountable for interference and violence in Canada.
Efforts to improve Canadian-Indian relations have been evident under Carney’s administration. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand recently discussed deepening economic cooperation with her Indian counterpart. Carney has acknowledged the importance of the Canadian-Indian relationship, expressing a commitment to address any strains with mutual respect.
In response, Modi expressed eagerness to meet at the summit, emphasizing the shared interests and mutual respect between India and Canada.
