PM Modi Unlikely to Attend G7 Summit in Canada Amid Strained Ties:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : As per a report from the Times of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not expected to attend the G7 Summit that is set for June 15-17 in Alberta, Canada. This will be the first gaps in attendance for Modi in the high-profile global summit since 2019.

Up until now, Canada has not officially invited the Indian prime minister and the draft list of attendees has not been made public. Some reports indicate that Canada has invited other leaders such as Australia, Ukraine, South Africa, and Brazil.

Sikh Groups Oppose Modi’s Participation

As reported by Canadian media, some Sikh groups have campaigned to bar the Indian Prime Minister from attending the summit in Canada. Such groups point to the hostile bilateral relations that arose following the killing of the Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijhar in 2023.

As noted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian government agents were involved with the killing of a Sikh leader in Canada - Hardeep Singh Nijjar, India on its end had already rejected the claims stating it was politically motivated and made no sense.

India And Canada Relations Was At Somewhat A Low Point
India-Canada relations were strained due to the unfolding of events. Deterioration of relations resulted in the two countries expelling diplomats with some having their visas put on suspension. There was also a complete closure of consulates due to understaffing. Not only was there a lack of personnel but trade relations seemed to be suffering from the newly inflicted changes from both nations resulting in a downward spiral.

In a tit for tat response to measures taken by Canada, India in October, 2023 also expelled a few Canadian diplomats and is said to be still in the process of eliminating more. The mutual diplomatic decline has negatively impacted the relationship both countries have willingly or unwillingly acted on publicly.

It is clear the removal of Trudeau from office gives India some optimism but it is widely speculated that new opposition member of parliament Jaymeet Singh would not be viewed positively from south Asian countries because he is thought to support the pro-Khalistan stance which puts a under a new dark light scenario for India.

A New Canadian Leadership Could Aid In Reducing Tensions And Usher In Engaging Diplomacy.