Carney invites Modi to G7, 1st visit to Canada since RCMP linked India to killings, extortion
Prime Minister Mark Carney has extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta later this month. This will mark Modi’s first visit to Canada since the RCMP accused his government of various criminal activities including murder, extortion, and coercion.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney and Modi had a discussion on Friday morning where Carney invited Modi to join the gathering in Kananaskis. The two leaders also agreed to continue their dialogue on law enforcement and address security concerns.
Modi took to social media to express his anticipation for the summit, stating that he looks forward to meeting with Carney. He emphasized the strong bond between India and Canada as vibrant democracies with deep people-to-people ties, and expressed a commitment to working together guided by mutual respect and shared interests.
The allegations made by the RCMP against Indian government agents, accusing them of involvement in violent acts in Canada, including homicides, extortion, and coercion, have strained relations between the two countries. The RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme highlighted the evidence linking Indian agents to these criminal activities, including the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent leader in the Khalistan movement advocating for an independent Sikh state in India.
Despite these tensions, Carney’s decision to invite Modi to the G7 summit has sparked controversy. The World Sikh Organization of Canada condemned the invitation, calling it a betrayal of the Sikh community and Canadian values. The organization expressed outrage and pain over the decision to invite Modi while India continues to deny any involvement in the assassination of Nijjar and refuses to cooperate with Canadian authorities.
On the diplomatic front, Canada has shown a willingness to improve relations with India. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand recently had a productive discussion with her Indian counterpart on enhancing economic cooperation and advancing shared priorities. Carney has acknowledged the importance of the Canadian-Indian relationship, emphasizing the need to address strains in the relationship with mutual respect.
The G7 summit, which will include leaders from Canada, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, and the president of the European Commission, is set to take place in Alberta on June 16 and 17. The invitation extended to Modi signifies a continued effort to engage with India and foster dialogue on key issues of mutual interest.
