For the first time in 6 years, PM Narendra Modi is unlikely to be a part of the G7 summit that is being hosted this year by Canada June15-17. There’s no official invitation yet from Canada for the meeting in Alberta but Modi in all likelihood would not have travelled to the North American country in any case, especially when India still isn’t sure the new government in Ottawa will be more receptive to its concerns about the activities of Khalistan separatists.A Canadian G7 spokesperson didn’t confirm to TOI late on Sunday if Modi was going to be invited.Any eleventh-hour invitation is unlikely to be considered by India because of logistical constraints, likely efforts by the separatists to disrupt the visit and the strained bilateral ties that both Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney have committed to improve. A bilateral meeting on the margins could have provided an opportunity for the leaders to jointly reaffirm their commitment to rebuilding ties.Canada hasn’t officially announced the names of the guest leaders for the summit, which will see the heads of government of major world economies in attendance, but reports in the Canadian media say Ottawa has invited the leaders of Australia, Ukraine, South Africa, Ukraine and Brazil. This will be the first time that he won’t be at the meeting of the economically most advanced group of nations since France invited him for the summit in 2019. His presence at the summit of what is also an informal grouping of like-minded democracies has been seen as a sign of India’s growing role in shaping up the global agenda and addressing transnational issues.
Last week, Sikh separatists urged the Carney government now not to ask the Indian Prime Minister, bringing up India’s alleged loss of cooperation within the investigation into the killing of separatist chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had accused the Indian government of involvement in Nijjar’s homicide but did no longer publicly offer assisting evidence—an allegation India has always denied. The ensuing diplomatic fallout brought about both nations expelling diplomats, mentioning antagonistic activities.Prime Minister Carney has but to remark directly on the Nijjar case. However, even as outlining his plans to use change as a means to reset ties, he asserted that Canada isn’t responsible for the current strain in its dating with India. In response, India has expressed hope that Carney will take a more measured approach than his predecessor. New Delhi has indicated its willingness to work with Ottawa, provided the relationship is grounded in mutual accept as true with and sensitivity. India has additionally referred to as on Canada to ensure robust security for its diplomats and take firm movement in opposition to extremists and separatist elements undertaking anti-India sports.