As host of the G7 summit, Canada, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, is prioritizing “regularizing channels of communication” even with controversial invites like that extended to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This approach signals a broader strategy of de-escalation and engagement, despite diplomatic challenges like the Nijjar murder allegations.

Carney, while facing reporters’ questions, carefully avoided expressing a personal opinion on Modi’s potential role in Nijjar’s assassination. He emphasized the ongoing and “quite advanced” legal process in Canada as the reason for his silence, stressing the impropriety of public commentary on an active investigation. Four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with the murder, which severely strained diplomatic relations.

The G7 summit, set for mid-June in Kananaskis, Alberta, is a key international forum. Carney justified Modi’s invitation by underscoring India’s global economic and demographic clout, calling it the “fifth largest economy in the world” and the “most populous country,” and central to global supply chains. He explicitly stated the importance of discussing energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals with the Indian leader.

This focus on open communication is also evident in Carney’s recent call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where both sides expressed interest in regularizing communication amid a trade spat. Similarly, talks are ongoing with US President Donald Trump to end trade tariffs. However, the World Sikh Organization has strongly criticized the Modi invite, viewing it as a compromise of Canadian values.