Sikh organizations in Canada are urging the federal government to break from recent tradition and refrain from inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 leaders' summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.
The call comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, with Sikh advocacy groups such as the Toronto-based Sikh Federation and the World Sikh Organization citing human rights concerns and lack of cooperation from New Delhi in criminal investigations, including the 2023 assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
"Until India substantially co-operates with criminal investigations in Canada, the government should withhold any invitation to Prime Minister Modi," the Sikh Federation said in a statement this week.
Canada, which is hosting the G7 summit next month, has not confirmed whether Modi is among the invited guests. Traditionally, the summit includes leaders from the G7 countries — France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada — along with the European Commission president. However, hosts often invite additional leaders.
So far, Canada has confirmed invitations to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ramaphosa, who is set to host the G20 summit in November, has yet to confirm his attendance, while Albanese and Zelenskyy have both accepted.
Global Affairs Canada has remained tight-lipped on the full list of invitees. Spokesperson Camie Lamarche said details will be shared “in due time.”
Tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi escalated after former prime minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in Nijjar’s killing.
The RCMP has also alleged Indian links to other violent crimes targeting Sikh Canadians. India has denied the accusations and claims Canada is tolerating a separatist movement for an independent Sikh homeland, Khalistan, which it views as a threat to its sovereignty.
Despite the diplomatic strain, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand met with her Indian counterpart on May 25 and described the exchange as a “productive discussion” focused on deepening economic cooperation.
Critics, however, say Ottawa’s push to rebuild ties with India prioritizes trade over justice.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, elected in April, has emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue with India, calling for “mutual respect” to ease tensions and explore trade opportunities.
When Canada last hosted the G7 in 2018, it extended invitations to over a dozen additional countries, including Norway, Haiti, and Argentina. Carney’s office has already issued readouts of recent discussions with leaders from Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Jordan, and several European countries.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed she received an invitation but has not decided whether she will attend.
As Ottawa weighs diplomatic sensitivities and geopolitical strategy, it remains to be seen whether India’s prime minister will be among the guests on Canadian soil next month.
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