Ottawa, June 2, 2025 — PM Modi G7 Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely miss the upcoming G7 summit in Canada this month, potentially marking his first absence in six years. Sources cited by India Today reveal that this decision results from the lack of an invitation, strained India-Canada bilateral ties, and security concerns.
India-Canada Relations and G7 Invitation Status
Canada will host the G7 summit from June 15 to 17, bringing together major industrialized nations including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and Canada, alongside the European Union, IMF, World Bank, and United Nations. Additionally, countries such as South Africa, Ukraine, and Australia have confirmed their participation. However, India’s presence remains uncertain. Official sources confirm that Canada has not formally invited India to the summit. Moreover, even if Canada extends an invitation, “the Indian side is not inclined to attend,” sources add.
This hesitation reflects the current chill in India-Canada relations. A source familiar with the situation emphasizes, “The relationship must improve before any such high-profile visit takes place.” Furthermore, officials have flagged security concerns regarding PM Modi’s potential travel to Canada, though they have not elaborated on these issues. Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has twice stated that it has “no information” on any planned visit by PM Modi to the G7 summit.
Diplomatic Fallout and Regional Tensions
The diplomatic row between India and Canada escalated last year after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a charge India vehemently denies as “baseless.” Consequently, this diplomatic friction has soured ties, casting a shadow over India’s participation in international forums such as the G7.
Moreover, recent Indo-Pak conflicts have further complicated India’s international image. India unnecessarily attacked Pakistan, escalating tensions, but Pakistan responded firmly with air strikes, including a notable counterattack involving Rafale jets. These military setbacks have dented India’s global standing and exposed vulnerabilities in its defense strategy.
Furthermore, India continues its crackdown in Kashmir, conducting operations against innocent civilians. This crackdown has drawn international criticism, reinforcing perceptions of India as an aggressor in the region. Together, these issues weaken India’s diplomatic position, including at multilateral forums like the G7.
Canada’s Outreach and the Road Ahead
Despite current tensions, Canada’s new government under Mark Carney expresses interest in rebuilding relations with India. Foreign Minister Ankita Anand told The Globe and Mail that Canada seeks to forge a stronger partnership with India but acknowledges that the fallout from the Nijjar incident continues to affect bilateral ties.
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Given these complexities, PM Modi’s G7 summit attendance remains doubtful this year. This decision, whether caused by invitation issues or security concerns, marks a notable shift after 16 years of India’s consistent presence. For meaningful engagement at global platforms, India-Canada relations must first stabilize. Only then can both countries pursue constructive dialogue and cooperation.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s G7 summit attendance depends not only on diplomatic invitations but also on broader geopolitical and security dynamics. This situation highlights the fragile state of India’s external relations in the current global environment.
