The decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta is stirring political controversy in Canada, with some Liberal MPs and human rights advocates saying it undermines the country’s core values—especially as investigations continue into the murder of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal of B.C., whose riding includes the temple where Nijjar was gunned down in 2023, said he met with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday morning to express serious concerns. “We as Canadians take pride in being champions of human rights,” Dhaliwal said. “When it comes to protecting fundamental rights and serving justice for the victim, it is non-negotiable.”
Dhaliwal claims that hundreds of constituents, and even members within the Liberal caucus, oppose Modi’s attendance at the summit. While he acknowledged the invitation is now a done deal, he said Carney seemed “alarmed” and committed to addressing Canadians’ concerns seriously.
The controversy traces back to accusations from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the RCMP, who alleged Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s assassination in Surrey, B.C. The RCMP has also linked Indian officials to other criminal activities in Canada, including coercion and homicide. A public inquiry into foreign interference last year identified India—alongside China—as one of the primary threats to Canada’s democratic integrity.
Dhaliwal believes Modi should not have been welcomed until Indian authorities committed to full cooperation in the investigation. “Before we invited him, Prime Minister Modi should have committed that he and his team or his departments will fully co-operate with Canadian authorities,” he said.
Meanwhile, another B.C. Liberal MP, Gurbux Saini, voiced concern about Canada’s international image, especially with reports suggesting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may also attend. “It’s damaging,” said Saini. “We’ve been known as compassionate people who value human rights. This is something the Prime Minister is aware of.”
Prime Minister Carney has thus far declined to comment publicly, but has defended the invitation by citing India’s global economic importance and arguing that law enforcement matters should be handled separately from Canada’s responsibilities as G7 host. He has stated India has agreed to continue “law enforcement dialogue,” though Modi made no mention of policing matters in a recent call with Carney.
Brampton MP and International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu acknowledged that some of his constituents raised concerns. “But at a time of crisis, we need to collaborate and work out some issues,” he said, referring to the ongoing tariff dispute with the U.S.
The backlash isn’t limited to Liberal benches. NDP MP Heather McPherson slammed the move at a press conference, saying the government is prioritizing profits over human rights. “It’s appalling,” she said. “This government has consistently and very clearly chosen profits and the economy over human rights.”
Policy experts participating in a webinar hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation suggested the G7 summit could offer an opportunity to build a pragmatic relationship between Canada and India—one focused on trade, clean energy, and managing relations with China. But they warned of deeper challenges that won’t be resolved through symbolic gestures alone.
C. Raja Mohan of the Council for Strategic and Defense Research in New Delhi noted that increasing South Asian immigration to countries like Canada creates “a structural problem” in which political tensions from the region spill over into diaspora communities. “This is going to get worse,” he said. “Politics is not going to cease, either in the West or in India.”
Mohan emphasized the need for long-term law enforcement cooperation between Canada and India, instead of public confrontations. Michael Kugelman, a senior fellow with the Asia Pacific Foundation, added that India will likely monitor how Canada handles any protests during the summit.
“This visit could be a way to build trust and reset the relationship ahead of the G20 in South Africa,” Kugelman said. “But both sides will be watching every move.”