Why India's Invitation to the G7 Summit Sparks Controversy: A Diplomatic Dilemma
India's G7 Summit Invitation: A Mixed Blessing
India's recent invitation to the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, scheduled for June 15-17, has raised eyebrows, as it appears to stem more from geopolitical and economic necessities than from a genuine gesture of goodwill. There was considerable speculation regarding whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would receive an invitation, especially following allegations from former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that India was involved in the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian territory. Ultimately, the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, reached out to Modi at the last minute to extend the invitation, a move that drew significant backlash in Canada.
In his defense, Carney stated that India's status as the world's fifth-largest economy and its pivotal role in global supply chains warranted Modi's presence at discussions on energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, despite ongoing investigations into Nijjar's murder. His remarks, however, seemed patronizing, and he avoided directly addressing whether he believed Modi had any involvement in the incident that has strained relations between the two nations. Carney's diplomatic stance did little to mask the reality that Canada is not ready to move past the diplomatic tensions that have arisen.
Modi expressed gratitude for Carney's call and congratulated him on his electoral success, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the two nations based on mutual respect and shared interests. However, Carney's invitation sparked outrage from the World Sikh Organization, whose president, Danish Singh, condemned the decision as a betrayal of Canadian values and likened India to countries like Russia and China, which are not welcomed in Canada due to their actions.
Carney's administration is also working to mend ties with other nations, including China, amid ongoing trade disputes that have financially impacted both countries. He has been in discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump to resolve trade tensions stemming from tariffs on Canadian goods. Despite the invitation to Modi, Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand reiterated that the investigation into India's alleged actions on Canadian soil remains a priority, indicating that Canada is unlikely to retract its accusations against India anytime soon. Observers suggest that India should have approached the invitation with more caution, balancing the desire for improved relations with the need to uphold its national dignity. As Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently noted, diplomacy should prioritize compassion over mere protocol.