For the first time since 2019, Prime Minister Modi is expected to remain absent from the G7 Summit

National News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not participate in the G7 summit to be held in Canada in June this year—this news may not be official yet, but this discussion in diplomatic circles is now considered confirmed. This will be the first time in six years that the Prime Minister of India will be absent from this global platform. In the background of this, many controversies like Khalistani separatism, the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and diplomatic tensions are seen between India and Canada.

Suspicion remains on the invitation

The G7 summit is going to be held in the Alberta province of Canada between 15 and 17 June this year. Like every year, this time also it is the responsibility of the host country to invite some special 'guest leaders' apart from the member countries. But no formal invitation has been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Canada till now. Canada's Foreign Ministry and G7 spokespersons have refrained from giving any clear answer on this subject.

According to Indian officials, even if an invitation comes at the last minute, it will not be easy for India to participate due to security concerns, travel arrangements, and the political environment.

Khalistani tension is the main reason

The relations between India and Canada have been constantly tense in the last few years. Especially the way Ottawa has ignored India's concern about Khalistani activities has created a rift in the relations. The situation worsened further after the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada, last year. The then Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, directly blamed the Indian government for this murder, while India called it baseless and political rhetoric.

After this, both the countries expelled each other's diplomats, and many bilateral talks were postponed.

Protest of Sikh groups and new leadership

Sikh separatist groups active in Canada have openly demanded not to invite Modi to the G7 summit. They allege that India is avoiding its role in the murder of Nijjar and it is interfering in the internal affairs of Canada. The effect of this political pressure is also visible on the attitude of the new government of Canada.

Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau, has not yet been able to make any clear comment on this issue. Although he has talked about re-strengthening trade relations with India, his silence on the Nijjar case still remains a matter of concern for India.

Khalistani tension is the main reason

The relations between India and Canada have been constantly tense in the last few years. Especially the way Ottawa has ignored India's concern about Khalistani activities has created a rift in the relations. The situation worsened further after the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada, last year. The then Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, directly blamed the Indian government for this murder, while India called it baseless and political rhetoric.

After this, both the countries expelled each other's diplomats, and many bilateral talks were postponed.

Protest of Sikh groups and new leadership

Sikh separatist groups active in Canada have openly demanded not to invite Modi to the G7 summit. They allege that India is avoiding its role in the murder of Nijjar and it is interfering in the internal affairs of Canada. The effect of this political pressure is also visible on the attitude of the new government of Canada.

Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau, has not yet been able to make any clear comment on this issue. Although he has talked about re-strengthening trade relations with India, his silence on the Nijjar case still remains a matter of concern for India.