After months of tension between India and Canada, marked by mutual diplomatic expulsions and deepening distrust over the Khalistan issue, a sudden development has raised eyebrows across strategic circles—the last-minute invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G7 Summit in Italy. While G7 summits typically involve outreach to Global South leaders, the optics of Modi’s invite carry layered undertones, especially considering Canada’s presence at the same table.
Is this a signal of thawing ties between New Delhi and Ottawa? Perhaps. But not necessarily on Canada’s terms.
Strategic Invitations, Not Personal Reconciliations
India’s presence at the G7 is no surprise in itself. As the world’s fifth-largest economy and a key player in the Indo-Pacific, India has often been courted by Western powers seeking to balance China’s assertiveness. Italy, as the current G7 host, has prioritized Africa, climate, and food security—areas where India plays a vital role. But the late timing of Modi’s invitation has led some to interpret it as more than routine diplomacy.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will also be present. Given the recent freeze in bilateral talks and Canada’s public accusations against Indian officials in the Nijjar case, this shared stage could allow for informal sidelines diplomacy—provided there’s political will. Still, nothing formal has been announced.
The Modi Factor
It’s equally plausible that the G7 outreach is more about reaffirming ties with India rather than resolving bilateral irritants. Modi’s absence from earlier announcements raised speculation, but his confirmation now helps bolster the G7’s image as an inclusive forum bridging the Global North-South divide. Moreover, it signals the West’s continued interest in India’s partnership despite friction points—be it Canada, trade issues with the EU, or human rights concerns raised by NGOs.
Canada’s Real Dilemma
From Ottawa’s perspective, India’s acceptance of the invite may indicate a strategic restraint rather than reconciliation. Canada has limited leverage over India, and recent statements by Indian officials show no urgency to normalize ties without a change in Canada’s internal handling of extremist elements. So, even if Trudeau and Modi share a venue, the chance of a handshake translating into détente is slim without deeper recalibration from the Canadian side.
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In the world of diplomacy, optics matter—but so do underlying interests. Modi’s G7 participation is more about India’s growing stature on the global stage than a direct olive branch to Canada. Still, it presents a rare platform for dialogue—should either side choose to seize it. The G7 may not end the freeze, but it could slightly raise the temperature. And sometimes, that’s how thaws begin.
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