Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the G7 summit in Canada this year, which would be the first time in six years that he won't be present at the gathering of global leaders.
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Although Canada has not officially invited him yet, even if they do, it's improbable that the invitation will be accepted due to various factors. These include the potential for Khalistan separatists to disrupt the visit, the strained bilateral relations, and the lack of confirmation from Canada on whether they will address India's concerns about separatist activities within their country.
The G7 summit, scheduled for June 15-17 in Alberta, is an important event where leaders of major economies discuss and shape global agendas. India's presence at such forums is indicative of its growing role on the international stage. However, the current state of affairs suggests that Modi's attendance is unlikely.
Canada is reportedly inviting the leaders of Australia, South Africa, Brazil, and Ukraine, among others, to the summit. The exclusion of India could be significant, especially considering that France had invited Modi to the summit in 2019, reflecting India's increasing importance in global affairs.
The tension between India and Canada arose after the murder of a separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, with the previous Canadian government, under Justin Trudeau, blaming India for the incident without providing evidence. This led to a diplomatic row that saw both countries expelling each other's diplomats. While the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has not commented directly on the Nijjar case, he has emphasized the importance of trade in improving ties between the two nations.
India expects Carney to handle the situation more responsibly and is hopeful for a reset in the relationship. The Indian government has called for Canada to ensure the safety of its diplomats and take action against extremist and secessionist elements operating within Canadian borders. The non-invitation to the G7 summit could be seen as a setback in this context, highlighting the need for both countries to address their differences and find a path forward based on mutual trust and understanding.