Introduction
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit, aiming to strengthen ties amid recent diplomatic tensions.Context
Relations between Canada and India have soured over the past two years, particularly following Canada's accusations of Indian involvement in a murder and interference in its elections. In response, Canada expelled several Indian diplomats in October 2024, while India subsequently expelled an equal number of Canadian diplomats. Despite these tensions, the two leaders are eager to rebuild their relationship, with a focus on mutual respect and shared interests.Developments
During their phone call, both leaders expressed a commitment to stay in contact and look forward to meeting at the G7 summit, scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. While India is not a G7 member, it has been invited as a guest to this year's gathering. Modi acknowledged the invitation through a post on X, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between India and Canada.Carney highlighted India's significance as the fifth-largest economy in the world, stating that its inclusion in the G7 discussions makes sense given its central role in various global supply chains. Moreover, he mentioned the continuation of law enforcement dialogue between India and Canada, recognizing the importance of accountability in their bilateral relations.
India is currently Canada's 10th largest trading partner, with Canada being the biggest exporter of pulses, including lentils, to India. Additionally, four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with the murder of a Sikh separatist leader, highlighting the ongoing complexities in their diplomatic interactions.