Canadian PM Mark Carney Invites PM Modi to G7 Summit, Dodges Nijjar Question

In a notable shift in diplomatic tone, newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has extended a personal invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming G7 Summit set to be hosted in Canada later this year. While speaking to the press, Carney emphasized the significance of India’s global influence, stating, “The G7 plan to partner with developing countries without India would not have been impressive.”

The statement is being seen as a diplomatic olive branch amid ongoing tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa, primarily centered around the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in 2023. However, when questioned directly about the incident and any investigation updates, Carney declined to comment, citing ongoing legal and diplomatic sensitivities. This deliberate silence marks a contrast to the aggressive rhetoric employed by his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, who openly accused Indian agents of involvement—an allegation India strongly rejected as baseless and politically motivated.

Carney, who took office amid promises of restoring Canada's global image and reviving its frayed diplomatic channels, appears to be distancing his administration from Trudeau’s confrontational posture toward India. His open praise for India’s pivotal role in the Global South and his personal invitation to PM Modi underscore a strategic pivot. Observers note that Carney’s statement reflects an acknowledgment that global forums like the G7 cannot afford to sideline India—now the world's fifth-largest economy and a leading voice among developing nations.

The invitation also comes at a time when India’s diplomatic clout is on a steady rise. PM Modi’s recent visits to Europe and his central role in shaping the G20 New Delhi Declaration have solidified his image as a global statesman. His expected presence at the G7 Summit is likely to bring renewed focus to issues such as global supply chain resilience, climate finance for the developing world, and digital infrastructure cooperation—areas where India has been pushing for equitable reforms.

Social media in India has already picked up on Carney’s quote with the phrase “Modi Magic” trending once again. Supporters view the invitation as a diplomatic win and further proof that global leaders are recalibrating their approach to India under Modi’s leadership.

As G7 leaders prepare to convene in Canada, the spotlight will be on how this invitation could signal a thaw in India-Canada ties, and whether Mark Carney can craft a new era of pragmatic diplomacy—one that balances domestic political narratives with the realities of a shifting global order.

For now, while the Nijjar issue remains unresolved, Carney’s focus on rebuilding strategic partnerships—especially with India—sends a clear message: Canada recognizes that engaging with India is not just smart diplomacy; it’s a global necessity.