PM Modi may miss first G7 in six years; India-Canada ties under strain: Sources

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the G7 Summit in Canada this June, marking what could be his first absence from the annual event in six years. The decision, according to sources, stems from strained diplomatic ties between India and Canada and ongoing security concerns.

India has not received an official invitation for the summit scheduled for June 15–17. Even if an invite arrives, the Indian government is reportedly not inclined to send a high-level delegation until there is significant improvement in bilateral relations. Several participating nations, including South Africa, Ukraine, and Australia, have already confirmed their attendance.

The chill in ties between Ottawa and New Delhi escalated following the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The issue sparked a diplomatic standoff after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement, an allegation India firmly denied as baseless. Despite a change in Canadian leadership, the tension continues to influence bilateral engagements.

Canada’s newly elected government has expressed interest in repairing the relationship, but sources in New Delhi maintain that any potential visit by PM Modi must be preceded by concrete actions and assurance on security arrangements.