Key Points

PM Modi met Canadian PM Mark Carney at the G7 Summit, emphasizing shared democratic values and economic cooperation. The leaders discussed collaboration on energy, AI, and counterterrorism, signaling a thaw after recent diplomatic tensions. Modi congratulated Carney on his election win, expressing optimism for future partnerships. This marks Modi’s first visit to Canada in a decade, highlighting efforts to reset bilateral ties.

Key Points: Modi and Carney Pledge to Strengthen India-Canada Democracy Ties

  • Modi highlights mutual investments as key to India-Canada ties
  • Both leaders aim to collaborate on energy, AI, and security
  • Visit follows strained relations over Nijjar case
  • Modi’s first Canada trip in a decade marks diplomatic reset
4 min read

India, Canada must strengthen democracy, humanity together: PM Modi to Canadian counterpart Carney in bilateral talks

PM Modi meets Canadian counterpart Carney at G7, stressing shared democratic values and economic ties amid past diplomatic tensions.

"India and Canada will have to strengthen democracy together, will have to strengthen humanity – PM Narendra Modi"

Kananaskis, June 18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the depth and significance of India-Canada relations, citing mutual investments and shared democratic values as key pillars of the partnership.

"India and Canada relations are very important in many ways. Many Canadian companies have investments in India. The people of India also have a huge investment on Canadian soil. Dedicated to democratic values, Canada and India will have to strengthen democracy together, will have to strengthen humanity," Prime Minister Modi said.

He also congratulated Carney on his recent election victory, expressing optimism about future cooperation.

"This is the first time I have got the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister after his election, so I congratulate him for his grand victory in this election and in the coming period, India and Canada will progress together in many areas with him," he added.

Responding to PM Modi's remarks, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed him warmly and highlighted India's growing global role and leadership in key areas of mutual concern.

"It's a great honour to host you at the G7... It's a testament to the importance of your country, to your leadership and to the importance of the issues that we look to tackle together, from energy security, from the energy transition that you're helping to lead, to the future of artificial intelligence, to the fight that we have against transnational repression, against terrorism, against other factors and the work that we can do together. It is my great honour to have you here," Carney said.

PM Modi's visit to Canada comes after a period of friction between New Delhi and Ottawa, triggered by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Canada in 2023.

India had strongly rejected the allegations. The diplomatic standoff escalated as both countries expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat response. New Delhi has consistently voiced concerns about extremism and anti-India activities on Canadian soil and urged Canadian authorities to take concrete steps to curb such elements.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Canada to attend the high-level gathering.

Canadian PM Mark Carney received PM Modi as he arrived at the venue of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.

This marks his sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit and his first visit to Canada in a decade. PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the Calgary airport, where India's acting high commissioner, Chinmoy Naik, was among those who received him.

Upon arriving in Calgary, Canada, PM Modi on Monday (local time) said he will meet various leaders at the G7 Summit and share his thoughts on important global issues.

PM Modi said he will also emphasise the priorities of the Global South. This visit is part of PM Modi's three-nation official tour, which began with Cyprus and will conclude with Croatia.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South."

Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that PM Modi will be participating in G7 discussions on the future of energy security, including diversification, technology, infrastructure and investment, to ensure access and affordability in a changing world.

"At the invitation of PM @MarkJCarney, PM @narendramodi arrives in Alberta, Canada for the G7 Summit. PM will be participating in @G7 discussions on the future of energy security, including diversification, technology, infrastructure and investment, to ensure access and affordability in a changing world. PM will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines," Jaiswal posted on X.

The Prime Minister arrived in Canada after concluding his visit to Cyprus. PM Modi's visit to Canada marks a significant moment in bilateral ties following a phase of strained diplomatic relations.

The G7 Summit is an annual gathering of leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the European Union (EU). This marks PM Modi's sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see PM Modi engaging with Canada despite past tensions. The Khalistani issue needs to be addressed firmly but diplomacy must continue. Our diaspora in Canada is huge and contributes significantly to both economies. Hope this meeting leads to better understanding 🤝
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Priya M.
While trade and investments are important, Canada must stop sheltering anti-India elements. Our PM is right to raise this diplomatically. The Nijjar episode created unnecessary tension - both nations should focus on common interests like clean energy and technology cooperation.
A
Amit S.
Canada needs India more than India needs Canada. With our growing economy and market size, we have leverage. PM Modi is handling this well - engaging but not compromising on national security. The focus on Global South priorities at G7 is especially commendable 👏
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Sunita R.
As someone with family in both countries, I hope relations improve. The student community in Canada faces uncertainty due to political tensions. Both governments should protect people-to-people ties while addressing security concerns maturely. More cultural exchanges would help!
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Vikram J.
The energy security partnership is crucial for both nations. Canada has resources, India has demand and technical capability - perfect synergy! But Ottawa must understand our concerns about extremism. You can't have trade while ignoring terrorism.
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Neha T.
While I support stronger India-Canada ties, our government should be more transparent about the Nijjar case. Blanket denials don't help. We need mature diplomacy that addresses concerns on both sides without damaging long-term relations. The diaspora shouldn't suffer due to politics.

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