New Delhi: Barely three months are left for the G-7 summit in Canada, but there is suspense over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in this event. Modi has been regularly attending the G-7 since 2019, but when asked whether India would be invited to this year's summit. On this, host Canada told the Times of India that no decision has been taken yet regarding the participation of guest countries.
Canada's relations with India are cold
The summit will be hosted in Kananaskis (Alberta) on June 15-17 under Canada's current G7 presidency. On the other hand, its bilateral relations with India remain frosty. At the same time, Canada is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis with the US, which has provoked a terrible tariff war. Foreign ministers of the group of economically most advanced countries demonstrated unity in Charlevoix earlier this month.
Will give information at the right time
At the same time, the G7 reaffirmed its 'unwavering' support for Ukraine, but the G7 is filled with concerns about Trump's treatment of allies and his reluctance to call out Russia for its aggression. A Canadian official from the G7 media relations team said that no decision has been taken on the invitation to the summit at this time. More information will be made available in due time.
What is Canada's new PM saying?
It has been learned that former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, widely blamed for spoiling relations with India due to his careless attitude towards the Khalistan massacre plot, has left the selection of guests to his successor. New Canadian PM Mark Carney has said he wants to rebuild ties with India but currently faces the tough task of dealing with Trump's audacity.
Carney has also said he wants to build trade ties with new partners as well as build the strongest economy in the G7. Apparently, limited space at the summit venue could also be a reason for there being very few or even no guest leaders.
Silence on Nijjar's killing
Carney has so far been silent on the killing of pro-Khalistan Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which led to a dramatic deterioration in diplomatic ties. India has said it hopes to rebuild ties based on mutual trust and sensitivity but will likely wait to see the outcome of the next elections. The RCMP, which has investigated the case, says Trudeau's position was based on information provided by the agency.
Modi-Manmohan have been involved
Both PM Modi and his predecessor Manmohan Singh have been invited to the G7 summit before. In fact, Modi has been a regular visitor since 2019, when French President Emmanuel Macron invited him for a meeting in Biarritz. Then the Trump administration also invited him to the Camp David summit in 2020. However, it was later canceled due to COVID-19.
