Modi ‘unlikely’ to attend upcoming G7 summit in Canada

KARACHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not expected to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada, according to Indian media reports citing official sources. The decision comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa.

Sources familiar with the matter said that neither side has initiated discussions regarding Modi’s participation, and that the bilateral relationship would need significant improvement before a visit of this stature could take place. Notably, Canada has sent invitations to a few countries. India is not one of them.Security concerns would also need to be addressed if a visit were to be considered, add sources.

This marks the first time in six years that Modi will likely skip the G7 Summit, which is scheduled to be held from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta.India-Canada relations have remained frosty since the 2022 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Tensions escalated last year when Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including its head of mission, alleging their involvement in a plot targeting Sikh separatists.

While uncertainty surrounds India’s participation, other invitees — including South Africa, Ukraine and Australia — have reportedly confirmed their attendance. The summit will bring together leaders from the G7 nations — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US — along with the president of the European Commission and several guest countries.