OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney is standing by his decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 summit, despite ongoing investigations linking Modi's government to the murder of a Canadian activist. Carney extended the invitation during a phone call on Friday, which Modi accepted. The summit is scheduled for June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta.

At a press conference on Friday, Carney emphasized the importance of including India in discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships with emerging economies. He stated, "It makes sense to have India at the table because it’s one of the world’s largest economies and plays a key role in global supply chains." He also mentioned that there has been progress in law enforcement dialogue between the two nations, which he believes recognizes accountability issues.

Modi responded positively, stating, "As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. I look forward to our meeting at the summit." However, Modi did not address the law enforcement dialogue mentioned by Carney.

The invitation has sparked backlash from the World Sikh Organization of Canada, which had previously urged Carney not to invite Modi. Tensions between Canada and India escalated after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September 2023 that "agents of the Indian government" were involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh activist, who was shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.

Balpreet Singh, legal counsel for the World Sikh Organization, criticized Carney's invitation, calling it a "betrayal of Canadian values." He noted that the summit coincides with the anniversary of Nijjar's assassination, labeling the invitation as "unacceptable" and a reversal of Trudeau's earlier stance.

Nijjar was advocating for a non-binding referendum in Canada to establish a Sikh state in Punjab, known as Khalistan. The Indian government has denied Trudeau's accusations, claiming that Canada supports "Khalistani terrorists." In May 2024, four Indian nationals were arrested in connection with Nijjar's death, and in October 2024, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported evidence linking Indian government agents to various criminal activities in Canada.

Following these developments, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, prompting India to reciprocate by expelling six Canadian diplomats, including the high commissioner. On October 17, 2024, the U.S. Justice Department announced charges against an Indian government employee related to a foiled murder-for-hire plot against a Sikh separatist leader in New York City.

When questioned about the ongoing investigation into Nijjar's death, Carney stated, "It’s never appropriate for a leader to talk about a legal process while it is ongoing." Singh expressed frustration over the lack of response to their May 21 letter requesting that Modi not be invited, saying, "It really boggles the mind. How can a country that has engaged in criminal operations in Canada receive a red-carpet welcome?"

Carney reassured the public, stating, "The rule of law is proceeding as it should in Canada, and I am not going to disrupt that process." Naresh Raghubeer, an expert on Canada-India relations, emphasized the importance of resetting ties with the Modi government, suggesting that policing matters should be handled separately from bilateral relations.

Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently called for Canada to pursue a new path with India. Additionally, during the last federal election campaign, former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh revealed he had received police protection due to a credible threat to his life, which he implied was linked to a foreign government.

Balpreet Singh indicated that the World Sikh Organization would not be sending further correspondence regarding Modi's invitation, stating, "What’s the point? We sent something out on May 21 and received no response. Clearly, our voices don’t matter to him."

Other world leaders invited to the summit include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has yet to confirm her attendance.