PM Carney to meet India’s Modi during G7 Summit, offering Canada a key opportunity to reset strained diplomatic ties and advance national interests.
High-Stakes Diplomatic Meeting Set for G7 in Alberta
Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17. This marks the first major diplomatic engagement between the two countries since relations were deeply strained last year. Canadian officials view the meeting as a chance to begin repairing trust while asserting Canada’s position on key bilateral concerns.
First Dialogue Between Leaders Signals Reset Intentions
Carney and Modi held their first phone call on June 6, during which the Indian Prime Minister accepted Canada’s invitation to the summit’s outreach session. Canada’s readout emphasized the leaders’ mutual interest in continuing security cooperation and strengthening law enforcement dialogue—an issue central to Ottawa’s concerns regarding foreign interference.
Context: Diplomatic Freeze After Allegations in Nijjar Case
Relations deteriorated sharply in 2023 when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Canadian citizen and Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India dismissed the claims, while Canada faced criticism over its handling of extremist elements on home soil. The fallout led to reciprocal diplomatic expulsions and a near-halt in bilateral engagements.
Security and Legal Frameworks Under the Spotlight
As the trial of four Indian men linked to Nijjar’s death continues in Canadian courts, Ottawa remains committed to addressing foreign interference and transnational threats. The RCMP and Indian agencies have existing mechanisms for dialogue, and officials say this engagement will likely intensify following the G7. Canada has reiterated the need for transparent cooperation on these issues.
Carney’s G7 Strategy: Engagement with Purpose
Carney has defended the decision to invite Modi to the summit despite pressure from Sikh organizations and advocacy groups. He stressed that India is an essential global partner, especially in securing energy, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure—priority themes for Canada’s G7 agenda. Ottawa is also looking to diversify economic relationships beyond the U.S. as trade tensions persist.
Balancing Values, Security, and Economic Opportunity
Canada sees this diplomatic window not as an endorsement but as an opportunity to engage constructively. Officials in Ottawa note that Canada and India share democratic values, strong diaspora connections, and significant economic potential. The challenge lies in rebuilding trust while firmly addressing legitimate security and human rights concerns.
A Delicate but Necessary Step Forward
The Carney-Modi meeting is being framed as a crucial moment to reset bilateral ties that have been defined more by discord than dialogue in recent years. While the path ahead may be complex, Canadian officials say engagement at the highest level is essential to defending Canada’s interests while shaping a stable and cooperative future with one of the world’s largest democracies.
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