India not invited to G7 Summit 2025 amid strained ties with Canada

Diplomatic fallout over Khalistan row and Nijjar’s killing leads to India’s exclusion from G7 Summit 2025 for the first time since 2019

New Delhi: India has not been invited to the upcoming G7 Summit scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. This marks the first time since 2019 that India will be absent from the high-level global forum. According to diplomatic observers, the primary reason behind this exclusion is the ongoing tension between India and Canada, particularly in the wake of heightened controversy surrounding Khalistani activities.

Strained India-Canada relations

Tensions between the two countries escalated in 2023 following the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were involved in the murder—claims that India vehemently denied, calling them “absurd and politically motivated.”

Since then, bilateral relations have deteriorated significantly. Both nations expelled diplomats, and the number of staff at respective embassies was reduced. In October 2024, Canada further accused Indian Home Minister Amit Shah of targeting Sikh separatists, further worsening diplomatic ties.

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Influence of Khalistani groups in Canada

Organizations such as the Sikh Federation and World Sikh Organization, both active in Canada, reportedly lobbied the Trudeau government to exclude Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the summit. They alleged that India had not cooperated in the Nijjar investigation. Analysts suggest that domestic political pressures from these groups may have influenced Canada’s decision.

Host nation’s prerogative

As host of the G7 Summit, Canada holds the discretion to invite guest nations. This year, invitations have gone to Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and Ukraine—but not India. Although Canada has yet to officially release the full guest list, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that no communication has been received regarding Prime Minister Modi’s participation.

Logistical and security concerns

Sources indicate that even if an invitation were extended at this stage, arranging accommodations and security for the Indian delegation could prove difficult. Other host nations, such as Japan in the past, have faced similar logistical hurdles. Moreover, potential protests by pro-Khalistan groups could pose security risks, further complicating India’s participation.

India’s response

Indian officials have hinted that, under the current circumstances, accepting a last-minute invitation would not be straightforward. New Delhi believes that more time and diplomatic effort are needed to restore trust in bilateral ties.

Implications of India’s absence

Though not a permanent member of the G7, India has regularly been invited since 2019 by countries like France, the UK, Germany, and Italy. India’s growing global influence—especially in the Indo-Pacific region and as a voice of the Global South—has made its participation valuable. However, the ongoing diplomatic standoff with Canada has interrupted that trend, dealing a symbolic setback to India’s foreign policy standing.

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