India’s Role in Global Supply Chains Justifies G7 Invite, Says Canadian PM
| 2025-06-07
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said it "made sense" to invite PM Modi to the G7 Summit, citing India’s global economic and strategic importance.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney defends inviting Indian PM Narendra Modi to the G7 Summit, citing India’s economic weight and key role in global supply chains.
Prime Minister Carney, who recently assumed office following the April general elections, is hosting the G7 Summit from 15 to 17 June in Alberta, Canada. His decision to extend an invitation to Prime Minister Modi has sparked political debate domestically, with critics questioning the move in light of ongoing tensions between Canada and India.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Carney said the invitation was extended after consultations with other G7 member states and reflected India’s growing geopolitical and economic importance.
“India is the fifth largest economy in the world and effectively the most populous country. It is central to a number of global supply chains,” he said. “There are certain countries that should be at the table for these discussions. It makes sense.”
India’s involvement, he noted, is crucial as the summit will focus on key global challenges such as energy security, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and infrastructure partnerships in the developing world.
Diplomatic Sensitivities
The invitation comes amid ongoing diplomatic strain between Canada and India. Relations deteriorated sharply in 2023 after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly alleged a potential Indian connection to the killing of Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
In the aftermath, both countries expelled senior diplomats and relations reached their lowest point in decades. However, Mr Carney’s rise to power and recent diplomatic engagements have raised hopes of a thaw.
"Bilaterally, we have now agreed, importantly, to continue law enforcement dialogue. There has been some progress on that, and it recognises the issues of accountability," Mr Carney told reporters.
When asked directly about the Nijjar case, Mr Carney declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal process. “There is a legal process that is quite advanced in Canada. It’s never appropriate to make comments with respect to those legal processes,” he said.
India Accepts Invitation
Prime Minister Modi confirmed his participation in a post on social media platform X. “Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister Mark J Carney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month,” he wrote. “India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests.”
The upcoming summit marks an opportunity for both countries to reset their relationship, according to diplomatic observers. In recent months, security officials from both nations have resumed contact and are reportedly considering the appointment of new high commissioners.
Criticism and Support
Despite the diplomatic overture, Mr Carney’s decision has faced criticism from political rivals, including the New Democratic Party (NDP), which labelled the invitation “profoundly troubling” in light of the Nijjar case.
However, foreign policy experts argue the invitation aligns with broader global trends. Vina Nadjibulla, Vice President of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, said in an interview with CBC that most G7 members are eager to deepen ties with India.
“We are the outlier because the other six members of the G7 are interested in deepening their strategic partnerships with India — in defence, technology, and economic areas,” Ms Nadjibulla said. “Diplomacy is not a gift to our friends. It’s a necessary tool to advance our interests and defend our values.”
Context:
India’s strategic role in global affairs has grown significantly in recent years. As the world’s most populous country and a hub for key industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to information technology, India is seen as essential to discussions on global trade, security, and sustainability.
The G7, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, often invites non-member states to participate as outreach partners. In addition to India, Canada has extended invitations to Ukraine and Australia for this year’s summit.
India’s participation in the summit could pave the way for greater cooperation with the West, particularly in areas like clean energy, semiconductors, and digital innovation — all critical sectors in which India is increasingly playing a pivotal role.
As diplomatic overtures between Ottawa and New Delhi continue, the G7 Summit may serve not only as a forum for global policy discussions but also as a platform for rekindling India-Canada relations.
India-Pakistan Tensions Rise as Islamabad Urges Restoration of Indus Waters Treaty
Pakistan has sent multiple letters urging India to restore the suspended Indus Waters Treaty, following New Delhi’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
|2025-06-07
RCB Victory Parade in Bengaluru Turns Deadly Amid Poor Crowd Management
Eleven people died and several were injured during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebrations in Bengaluru due to overcrowding and mismanagement.
|2025-06-04
India to Launch First Digital Census with Caste Data in March 2027
India’s nationwide census, including caste enumeration for the first time, will be conducted in two phases beginning October 2026 and conclude by March 1, 2027.
|2025-06-04
India Warns Pakistan Against ‘Terror and Nuclear Blackmail’, Says Top Defence Chief
India's Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan warns Pakistan against using terror and nuclear threats, citing continued military readiness after Operation Sindoor.
|2025-06-03
India-US Trade Deal Expected Soon, Says US Commerce Secretary
A trade deal between India and the United States is expected soon, as talks progress towards a bilateral agreement aiming to boost commerce to $500 billion by 2030.
|2025-06-03