PM Modi may not attend G7 Summit in Canada in first miss In 6 years: Sources

PM Modi may not attend G7 Summit in Canada in first miss In 6 years: Sources

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to participate in the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada this month, potentially breaking his six-year streak of attending the event. The decision comes amid continued diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa, fueled by security concerns and strained bilateral ties.

Sources told CNN-News18 that India is unlikely to accept any invitation from Canada to attend the G7 meeting scheduled for mid-May. The decision is reportedly driven by security concerns, particularly due to Canada’s growing reputation as a center for Khalistani extremism, along with the overall diplomatic strain between the two nations.

Canada is hosting this year’s G7 Summit, which will bring together the world’s leading industrialized nations — the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and Canada — along with representatives from the European Union, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and the United Nations. Additionally, countries such as South Africa, Ukraine, and Australia are also expected to attend.

According to sources, the decision underscores the ongoing strain in India-Canada relations. “The relationship needs to improve before any high-level visit can be considered,” one source familiar with the matter noted. They also flagged potential security risks should PM Modi visit Canada in the future, although no specific details were provided.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has, on two recent occasions, stated that it has “no information” regarding any planned visit by PM Modi to the G7 Summit in Canada.

Bilateral relations between India and Canada took a severe hit after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being linked to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—an allegation that India categorically denied. The lack of evidence from Trudeau escalated tensions, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats by both sides and India halting visa services for Canadian citizens.

As the world’s fourth-largest economy, India is viewed as a vital trade partner for Canada, which is currently facing economic stagnation. While recent political changes in Canada have led to some easing of tensions, analysts believe a complete restoration of bilateral ties will take time.

New Prime Minister Mark Carney, who replaced Trudeau after leading the Liberal Party to victory in a crisis-ridden election, is expected to prioritize mending ties with India as he seeks to revive the Canadian economy amid a strained relationship with the US and China.