First time in six years, India's Modi 'unlikely' to attend G7 summit in Canada

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not expected to travel to Canada for the next G7 Summit due to tense relations between Ottawa and New Delhi, Indian media reported, citing sources.

The insiders said neither the Indian side told about the visit nor the Canadian side has approached India in this regard. They said the relationship needs to develop before any high-profile visit of this kind occurs.

This would be the first time in six years that Modi will not be attending the G7 summit, which is being hosted by Canada this year from June 15 to 17.

Furthermore, if PM Modi were to visit Canada, the sources said, security issues would need to be addressed.

It has been two years since the diplomatic ties between the two countries have been downgraded over the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on the Canadian soil.

Last year, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats — including the head of mission — over allegations they were involved in a plot against Sikh separatists on Canadian soil.

The annual G7 Leaders' Summit will take place in Kananaskis, Alberta, this year. While uncertainty looms over Modi's participation, reports have emerged that South Africa, Ukraine, and Australia have accepted invitations from Canada for the summit.

The G7 countries — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States — as well as the president of the European Commission and various other countries are likely to attend the summit.