Rama Krishna Sangem
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet US President Donald Trump on Canada when they meet for G 7 summit from June 15-17. Though there is no confirmation of their meeting, source say it is mostly possible as the two leaders will have opportunity to meet for a brief while.
If this happens, it would be second meeting of Modi with Trump since February this year and the first one after the four day conflict between India and Pakistan in May second week. Also this will be an occasion for Modi to talk to Trump about the latter’s repeated claims that he had brokered a deal of ceasefire following a mini-war.
PM Modi on June 6, Friday announced that he will be attending the 51st G7 summit in Canada after receiving invitation from the Canadian counterpart.
“Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit,” said PM Modi in a post on X.
The development comes amid reports of PM Modi not expected to attend the G7 summit taking place in Canada from June 15 to 17 this year.
Upswing in India-Canada relations
This visit of Modi will help for an upswing in India Canada relations. Previously, Sikh separatists urged the Carney administration to refrain from inviting the Indian Prime Minister, citing India’s alleged lack of cooperation in the ongoing investigations into the assassination of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had accused the Indian government of involvement in the murder but failed to provide any supporting evidence, a claim that India has repeatedly denied. This diplomatic conflict led to a significant downturn in relations, resulting in both nations expelling each other’s diplomats due to perceived hostile actions.
India is optimistic that Carney will approach the situation more judiciously than Trudeau and has expressed its willingness to collaborate with Ottawa based on mutual respect and understanding.
New Delhi is pressing Canada to ensure the safety of Indian diplomats and to take decisive action against extremists and separatists engaged in anti-India activities. A bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit could have served as a valuable opportunity for the leaders to renew their commitment to restoring diplomatic relations.
While Carney has not explicitly addressed the Nijjar situation, he has mentioned his intentions to use trade as a means to reset relations. On the whole, PM Modi’s visit to Canada will be help for India on two counts – One to mend ties with Canada, and Two, mend relations with Trump in the wake of his ceasefire claims.
