Canada will host the G7 Summit in Alberta from June 15–17, 2025. But this year, what is garnering global attention is not just the G7 agenda: security, energy, and supply chains, but the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the invitation of newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This diplomatic gesture, coming after a prolonged fractured relations between the two nations during the tenure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This invite by Mark Carney has stirred reactions in Canada while also reinforcing India’s growing centrality on the global stage.
Carney’s invitation to PM Modi was not a casual courtesy. It followed a phone call between the two leaders on June 6, where both sides agreed to resume “law enforcement dialogue and discussions addressing security concerns.” A statement from the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office described the agreement as “progress.”
Notably, the relation between India-Canada soured after Justin Trudeau’s public allegations against India regarding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeu’s Government was running with the support of Khalsiatni extremeist Jagmeet Singh and his party, which has lost the 2025 elections, lost its ground and comes down to its lowest tally.
Moreover, this is reflecting in the current outreach of Ottawa’s approach. Carney, an economist understands the geopolitical and economic imperatives that make engaging India not just desirable, but necessary. Moreover his Government does not depends on Khalistani extremists.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Prime Minister Carney underlined that the G7 will focus on pressing global issues, including security and energy. He also emphasised that India’s participation is essential, as it is “central to a number of supply chains.”
“There are certain countries that should be at the table for those discussions. India is the fifth largest economy in the world, effectively the most populous country in the world. It is central to a number of those supply chains” Carney said.
Canada’s opposition leader Pierre Poilievre stated that India is “one of the biggest and fastest-growing economies in the world.” He stressed the need for Canada to partner with India on energy exports, civilian nuclear power, and trade, marking a rare bipartisan recognition of India’s strategic importance.
It is to be noted that, there has been a strong push from the other G7 countries to ensure India’s presence at the table, as all other six members are keen on deepening their strategic partnerships with India. India has been regularly invited as a guest to the G7 since 2019.
The upcoming G7 Summit will focus on several crucial issues, including energy security, the digital future, critical minerals, and infrastructure development partnerships in emerging and developing nations. On all these fronts, meaningful progress is not possible without India’s active participation.
India is now world’s 4th largest economy and its growing influence on the world stage gives it significant leverage in diplomatic negotiations. Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal pointed out that “Canada does not own the G7,” and it cannot unilaterally shape the forum’s outreach agenda. India has been invited to multiple G7 summits in the past, reflecting its rising status in global diplomacy and as a key voice of the Global South.
Sibal further argued that, “Canada is paying a higher price for the virtual collapse of its ties with India than the contrary is the case. Canada has also come under humiliating pressure from the US under Trump. It needs to establish other partnerships to have more room for manoeuvre.”
The Collapse of the Khalistan Narrative
However, not everyone in Canada is pleased with the PM Modi’s visit to Canand. Five prominent Sikh organisations including Sikh Federation (Canada), British Columbia Gurdwaras Council, Ontario Gurdwaras Committee, Quebec Sikh Council and World Sikh Organization have written a letter to PM Carney, expressing a deep sense of betrayal for inviting PM Modi
The letter calls Hardeep Singh Nijjar a “Shaheed” and accuses India of orchestrating his killing. In the letter, they describe the move as an insult to the community and a threat to Canada’s democratic institutions. They have also announced a public rally on June 14, 2025, at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, where organisation leaders and community members will gather to demand accountability from Members of Parliament.
The organisations also call on the Government of Canada to immediately suspend all security and intelligence agreements with India. This includes any intelligence sharing, consultation, or any other forms of security and intelligence cooperation.
It is important to note that the political ground supporting these sentiments has shifted dramatically. Trudeau’s minority government, which relied on Jagmeet Singh’s New Democratic Party for survival, collapsed in the 2025 elections. Singh, seen as a pro-Khalistan figure, led his party to its worst-ever performance, an indication that the Khalistani movement is losing political legitimacy even within Canada.
Meanwhile, India’s agenda at the G7 will not just focus on global issues but also bilateral relations. Delhi is expected to reiterate its demand for the extradition of 26 Khalistani extremists operating from Canadian soil, including Gurjeet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Lakhbir Singh Landa, and Arshdeep Singh Gill. India will also stress that Canada must stop being a safe haven for separatist campaigns targeting the Indian state.
PM Modi’s participation, despite vocal protests and past tensions, shows that India is no longer a nation that can be diplomatically cornered. Its growing global influence, economy, and assertive foreign policy have made it an indispensable partner, even for those who once chose confrontation over cooperation.
