Canada and India Navigate Diplomatic Tensions with G7 Summit Invitation
Canada's Prime Minister Carney invites India's Modi to the G7 summit amid strained relations over allegations of India's involvement in a Canadian activist's assassination.
Overview
- Canada and India have expelled diplomats amid allegations linking India's government to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney faces criticism for inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit despite ongoing tensions.
- The World Sikh Organization of Canada expressed anger over Modi's invitation, highlighting the strained ties between the two nations.
- The G7 summit, scheduled for June 15-17 in Alberta, may signal a thaw in relations as Modi accepts the invitation.
- Four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with Nijjar's death, further complicating the diplomatic landscape between Canada and India.
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Analysis
Emphasizes escalating tensions between Canada and India over allegations of government involvement in a murder.
Tensions between Canada and India have escalated due to accusations of Indian government involvement in the murder of a Canadian activist for Sikh separatism in British Columbia in 2023, leading to strained relations since former PM Justin Trudeau accused India of carrying out the killing of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil.
Carney extended an invitation to Modi during a phone call on Friday and they agreed to stay in touch.
Canada and India engaged in tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats following allegations linking India's top diplomat in Canada to the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India strongly denied as preposterous.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot and killed outside a Sikh temple he led in Surrey, British Columbia in June 2023.
Articles (3)
Center (2)
"…Mark Carney has invited his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, marking a shift in Canada-India relations that had soured in recent years."
BBC News·25d·"…Carney noted Canada is in the role of G7 chair and said there are important discussions that India should be a part of."
Associated Press·25d·FAQ
The tensions escalated after Canada linked the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar to Indian state agents, leading to the expulsion of diplomats by both countries. A previous controversy involving Jaspal Atwal, an Indian-origin businessman, also contributed to the strained relations.
The invitation could signal a move towards improving relations, as both countries express interest in rebuilding ties. However, it also faces criticism due to ongoing tensions.
Both countries have strategic interests in deepening economic ties and enhancing cooperation on peace and security issues in the Indo-Pacific, particularly as China’s regional influence grows.
History
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