Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not expected to travel to Canada for the upcoming G7 Summit, Indian media has reported, citing sources, due to ongoing tense relations between Ottawa and New Delhi. Insiders indicate that neither the Indian side has communicated about such a visit nor has the Canadian side extended an invitation in this regard. They emphasized that the bilateral relationship needs significant improvement before any high-profile visit of this nature can occur.
This marks the first time in six years that Modi will not be attending a G7 summit, which Canada is hosting this year from June 15 to 17. Furthermore, sources added that if Prime Minister Modi were to visit Canada, pressing security concerns would need to be addressed.
Diplomatic ties between India and Canada have been significantly downgraded for two years following the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Last year, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats — including the head of mission — over allegations of their involvement in a plot against Sikh separatists within Canada.
The annual G7 Leaders’ Summit is scheduled to take place in Kananaskis, Alberta, this year. While uncertainty surrounds Modi’s participation, reports have emerged confirming that South Africa, Ukraine, and Australia have accepted invitations from Canada to attend the summit. The G7 countries — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States — along with the president of the European Commission and various other invited nations are expected to attend the summit.
