Sikh organizations in Canada are pressing the federal government to deviate from recent precedent and refrain from extending an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming G7 leaders’ summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.
This appeal arises amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. Sikh advocacy groups, including the Toronto-based Sikh Federation and the World Sikh Organization, are citing human rights concerns and a perceived lack of cooperation from New Delhi in criminal investigations, specifically mentioning the 2023 assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
“Until India substantially co-operates with criminal investigations in Canada, the government should withhold any invitation to Prime Minister Modi,” stated the Sikh Federation this week.
Canada, as the host of next month’s G7 summit, has not yet confirmed whether Prime Minister Modi is among the invited dignitaries. Historically, the summit gathers leaders from the G7 member nations—France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada—along with the European Commission president. However, host countries frequently extend invitations to additional leaders.
To date, Canada has confirmed invitations to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ramaphosa, who is slated to host the G20 summit in November, has not yet confirmed his attendance, while both Albanese and Zelenskyy have accepted their invitations.
Global Affairs Canada has maintained a discreet stance regarding the complete list of invitees. Spokesperson Camie Lamarche indicated that details would be released “in due time.”
Tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi intensified after former prime minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused India of involvement in Nijjar’s killing.
The RCMP has also alleged Indian connections to other violent crimes targeting Sikh Canadians. India has refuted these accusations, asserting that Canada is condoning a separatist movement advocating for an independent Sikh homeland, Khalistan, which India perceives as a threat to its sovereignty.
Despite the diplomatic strain, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand met with her Indian counterpart on May 25, characterizing the exchange as a “productive discussion” focused on deepening economic cooperation.
However, critics argue that Ottawa’s drive to mend ties with India prioritizes trade over accountability and justice.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who assumed office in April, has underscored the importance of maintaining open dialogue with India, advocating for “mutual respect” to alleviate tensions and explore trade opportunities.
When Canada last hosted the G7 in 2018, it extended invitations to over a dozen non-member countries, including Norway, Haiti, and Argentina. Prime Minister Carney’s office has already released summaries of recent discussions with leaders from Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Jordan, and several European nations.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed receiving an invitation but has not yet decided on her attendance.
As Ottawa navigates diplomatic sensitivities and geopolitical considerations, the presence of India’s prime minister among the guests on Canadian soil next month remains to be seen.
