North India Statesman
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News India Live, Digital Desk: According to a person familiar with the case, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the G-7 summit for the first time in six years, which is scheduled to be held in Alberta, Canada from 15 June to 17 June.Important global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the status of West Asia are expected to be discussed at the summit.
Ottawa has not yet given official invitation to India. In view of stressful diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Prime Minister may opt for the option to leave the summit, especially because such a high-level tour usually requires significant ground work and mutual cooperation.
There was a sharp decline in India-Canada relations after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the allegations of Indian agents in the murder of pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
Glimpse of hope after change of leadership
The election of Liberal Party leader Mark Karney in April has raised some hope about possible changes in India-Canada relations. However, the assessment in New Delhi shows that there has been no clear assurance from the new Canadian government to address India’s concerns over pro -Khalistan activities in the country.
In addition, the two countries have not taken any concrete steps to restore full diplomatic relations. In October 2023, India withdrew its High Commissioner and five other diplomats after Ottawa implicated Indian officials in the Nijjar case. India also expelled a large number of Canadian diplomats in response.
“For the Prime Minister’s visit, a lot of ground preparations are required, especially given the current status of bilateral relations,” an official said. According to another source, security related concerns also remain an important factor. Recently, the two countries have indicated a desire to resume diplomatic engagement and are allegedly considering the appointment of new High Commissioners.
India-Canada Relations: Still unexpected
India has seen Trudeau’s departure as an opportunity to improve bilateral relations. India has long been accusing Canada of tolerating pro -Khalistan extremism. His departure has raised hopes of relations based on “mutual trust and sensitivity”.
In March, India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson commented: “The reason for the decline in India-Canada relations was the exemption given to extremist and separatist elements in that country.”
India’s participation in G7
Group of Seven (G7) is an informal group of advanced democracy that holds an annual meeting to coordinate the global economic policy and address other important international issues. Its member countries include the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan. Canada is currently presiding over the G7 and is hosting this year’s summit.
India in 2024 will attend the G-7 summit to be held in Italy. Prime Minister Modi participated in G-7 for the fifth time last year. He also attended the 2023 summit in Hiroshima, Japan and the 2022 summit held at Shloss Elmou, Southern Germany.
