Canada’s PM criticized for inviting Modi amid tensions

Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, on Friday, June 6, 2025, defended his decision to invite India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, amid tensions between both countries.

Online media reports reveal that recent findings by Canada’s federal police suggested the murder of a prominent Sikh activist in British Columbia may have been orchestrated by the “highest levels” of the Indian government.

Carney refrained from commenting on whether he believed Modi was involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Sikh, was an activist reportedly killed on Canadian soil, a death that has severely strained relations between the two nations.

Speaking to reporters, Carney explained, “There is a legal process that is literally underway and quite advanced in Canada, and it’s never appropriate to make comments with respect to those legal processes.”

The police have already charged four Indian nationals residing in Canada in connection with the murder.

The G7 summit, which is set to take place from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, will see key global leaders gathering to discuss major international issues.

Carney emphasized that inviting India to the summit was crucial due to the country’s significant role on the global stage.

He pointed out that India, as the “fifth-largest economy in the world,” and “the most populous country in the world,” plays a central role in supply chains.

This is particularly in energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.

He further stated, “I extended the invitation to Prime Minister Modi, and, in that context, he has accepted.”

Upon receiving the invitation, Modi expressed his gratitude and congratulated Carney on his electoral victory.

The Indian leader also acknowledged the strong relationship between the two countries.

He was quoted as saying, “As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests.

“I look forward to our meeting at the summit.”

Relations between Canada and India have been tense, especially after the murder of Nijjar.

Last year, both countries expelled each other’s top diplomats following allegations that India was involved in the politically motivated killing of Nijjar.

Nijjar had been an outspoken advocate for Sikh independence.

In addition to the murder, Canadian law enforcement had accused India of being involved in extortion, gang violence, and intimidation on Canadian soil.

Carney’s decision to invite Modi has sparked outrage, particularly from the World Sikh Organization.

Its president, Danish Singh, expressed his strong opposition to the invitation, calling it a “betrayal” to the Sikh community and to Canada’s core values.

He criticized Carney’s decision, stating that India’s refusal to acknowledge its involvement in Nijjar’s assassination and its unwillingness to cooperate with Canadian authorities was “shameful and dangerous.”

Singh went further, arguing, “We would never welcome leaders from Russia, China, or Iran under such circumstances.

Yet India has done far more on Canadian soil in terms of foreign interference and transnational repression, including orchestrating murders, and is being rewarded with a red carpet welcome.”

Carney’s move to invite Modi also comes in the context of Canada’s broader diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with other countries.

Recently, Carney posted a readout of a phone call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

In it, both sides expressed an interest in improving communications and resolving trade disputes.

This was particularly concerning tariffs on various goods, including seafood, electric vehicles, canola, and pork.

The two nations have been engaged in a trade spat that has cost both sides billions of dollars.

Additionally, Carney has been involved in talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

This is supposedly in an attempt to end a trade war that has been damaging to Canadian industries, particularly due to tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed that Carney is deeply engaged in discussions with the Trump administration to resolve these issues.

Overall, Carney’s invitation to Modi is seen by observers as part of his broader strategy to balance Canada’s international relationships and pursue dialogue with key global players.

This is even as he faces domestic and international criticism over his handling of sensitive geopolitical issues.

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