In a first in 6 years, PM Modi to skip G7 summit hosted by Canada
After the global diplomatic fallout between India and Canada over the latters’ support to radical and separationist Khalistani groups, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to skip the G7 summit this year hosted by Canada, a first in 6 years. The previous G7 Summit was held in Borgo Egnazia (Fasano) in Apulia, on June 13-15, 2024, hosted by Italy.
History behind India-Canada frosty relations
A change in leadership in Canada has not yet resulted in a change in ties between the two countries. The ties started disintegrating after Former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s unfounded claims that India was behind the murder of Khalistani separationist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. This resulted in a diplomatic row that has continued since. In 2023, both India and Canada expelled diplomats from each other’s countries and issued travel advisories discouraging their citizens from visiting the other nation. Canada also shut down three of its consulates in India. In October 2024, Canada expelled Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Indian High Commissioner, along with five other Indian diplomats. In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats.
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G7 Summit 2025
The 51st G7 Summit will be held in Alberta in Canada, for which no formal invitation has been sent to PM Modi by the host country Canada. There seems to be no urgency in bettering the ties between India and Canada. Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs, on two occasions, stated that there was “no information” on PM Modi’s visit to Canada for the G7 summit. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who succeeded Trudeau, has not directly commented on the Nijjar case but has shown interest in restoring relations with India by enhancing trade. India, meanwhile, has voiced optimism that Carney will adopt a more balanced stance than his predecessor and has reaffirmed its readiness to engage in dialogue based on mutual trust. Sources say no high-profile visits would take place until the frosty relations thaw.