Modi and Carney Strengthen Canada-India Relations at G7 Summit

In a significant diplomatic encounter on June 18, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney convened at the G7 leaders' summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, marking a pivotal moment in the revival of Canada-India relations. This meeting, held against the picturesque backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, aims to address bilateral tensions that have persisted for over 20 months. Both leaders expressed their commitment to renewing ties that have been strained since allegations surfaced regarding Indian agents' involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in September 2023, according to statements made by Trudeau in the House of Commons.

The summit was described by Carney as a 'great honour,' emphasizing the importance of India in global leadership since its inclusion in the G7 outreach since 2018. Carney noted, 'India has been coming to the G7 since 2018. It's a testament to the importance of your country, to your leadership.' In their discussions, Modi and Carney agreed to reappoint High Commissioners to each other's capitals, a significant step towards restoring diplomatic relations that had been severed following a series of expulsions of diplomats in late 2024.

According to the Prime Minister's Office of Canada (PMO), the leaders reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India ties, emphasizing mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The discussions also highlighted cooperation in various sectors, including energy security and artificial intelligence, signaling a forward-looking approach to bilateral relations.

Academics and experts have weighed in on the implications of this meeting. Dr. Anjali Patel, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Relations at the University of Toronto, stated, 'This meeting signifies a crucial turning point in Canada-India relations, which have been complicated by geopolitical tensions. The commitment to reappoint High Commissioners is an essential step towards rebuilding trust and collaboration.'

Moreover, Dr. Robert Klein, a political analyst at the Institute for Global Affairs, emphasized the need for both nations to address transnational issues together. 'The acknowledgment of challenges such as transnational repression and terrorism is vital; it shows that both leaders are willing to face difficult issues head-on,' he remarked.

The diplomatic strain began in late 2023, following the assassination of Nijjar, which Trudeau alleged could be linked to Indian government agents. This prompted a diplomatic spat that saw both nations expelling a number of each other's officials. The meeting between Modi and Carney comes at a time when both leaders are seeking to navigate domestic and international pressures, with Modi looking to strengthen India's global standing and Carney seeking to consolidate his leadership within Canada and abroad.

As both leaders move forward, the potential for enhanced cooperation on joint initiatives could reshape not only the bilateral relationship but also their respective influences on regional and global issues. Future meetings may further clarify the trajectory of Canada-India relations, particularly in light of rising global challenges such as climate change, security threats, and economic cooperation. The implications of this meeting will be closely monitored by international observers, as the world watches how these two influential democracies work to redefine their partnership in the coming years.