Carney facing some Liberal pushback over Modi’s invitation to G7 summit

Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing resistance from some members of his caucus regarding Canada’s decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 meeting in Alberta next week. One Sikh MP, B.C. MP Sukh Dhaliwal, has voiced his concerns, calling it a “bad idea.”

Dhaliwal expressed his constituents’ frustrations to Carney over the inclusion of Modi, citing the alleged involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Canadian Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in B.C. in 2023. The Khalistani movement seeks an independent Sikh homeland in northern India, which Modi’s government vehemently opposes.

“The RCMP has credible evidence of Indian agents being involved in the assassination of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil,” Dhaliwal stated. “It’s a bad idea to include Modi in this high-profile gathering.”

Carney reportedly shares Dhaliwal’s alarm over the Nijjar case, viewing it as a serious violation of Canadian sovereignty. Canada took action by expelling Indian diplomats following the allegations. The ongoing police investigation has revealed linkages between the four Indian nationals charged with Nijjar’s murder and the Indian government.

Dhaliwal emphasized Carney’s commitment to addressing Sikh concerns about Indian interference and transnational crime in discussions with Modi. Despite reservations, Dhaliwal acknowledged that Modi has been invited and emphasized the need to move forward.

Other Liberal MPs, such as Gurbux Saini, echoed concerns raised by their constituents. The Foreign Interference Commission’s report identified India as a significant player in meddling in Canadian affairs, including providing clandestine financial support to influence elections.

As Carney prepares to engage with Modi and potentially Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, human rights issues are expected to be on the agenda. While diplomatic conversations are essential, MPs like Karina Gould emphasized the importance of standing up for Canadian values.

The push to diversify the economy and enhance Canada’s trade relationships with countries like India was cited as a reason for including Modi in the G7 summit. Despite the serious allegations, MPs like Yasir Naqvi emphasized the need for dialogue and collaboration to address issues and demand cooperation from India.

As Carney seeks to reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S., there are opportunities for Canadian businesses in India. MPs highlighted the importance of fostering relationships and showcasing Canada as a vibrant trading partner.

While some MPs expressed deep concerns about Modi’s inclusion, others emphasized the necessity of engaging with India to advance economic collaboration and address shared challenges. The upcoming G7 meeting presents an opportunity for Canada to assert its values and priorities while expanding its global partnerships.