Canada will host the 2025 G7 Summit from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. But there’s uncertainty over whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend, breaking a five-year tradition of joining the event.
What Is the G7 Summit?
The G7 (Group of 7) includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US. Leaders from the European Union and guest countries also take part each year.
Who’s Invited This Year?
So far, Canada has invited:
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
- Australian PM Anthony Albanese
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (still undecided)
But there’s no confirmation if PM Modi has been invited yet. A Canadian spokesperson did not confirm the invite
Why Might Modi Not Attend?
According to reports:
- India may not accept a last-minute invitation due to logistics and possible protests.
- Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada also play a role.
This may be the first G7 summit PM Modi skips since 2019.
In September 2023, then Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
India called the claims baseless and politically motivated.
Since then, diplomatic ties have been strained.
Now, with Mark Carney as Canada’s new Prime Minister, both countries have shown interest in improving relations. But tensions still exist.
Sikh Groups Oppose Modi’s Invitation
Some Sikh organisations in Canada say PM Modi should not be invited unless India cooperates with the ongoing investigation into Nijjar’s murder.
The Sikh Federation in Toronto has openly asked the Canadian government to skip inviting Modi.
What Did Trudeau Say Last Year?
When Trudeau was asked in 2024 whether PM Modi would be invited, he dodged the question, saying Canada would work with Italy, which held the G7 presidency at that time.
Interestingly, PM Modi and Trudeau met during last year’s G7 summit in Italy, despite the ongoing tensions.
