Muslim World Report

India's Modi Excluded from G-7 Summit Reflects Strained Canada Ties

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 5, 2025 9:04 PM | 7 min read | 1348 words

TL;DR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s exclusion from the G-7 Summit in Canada highlights deteriorating India-Canada relations, primarily due to tensions surrounding the Khalistan movement and terrorism allegations. This diplomatic rift could have significant global implications, affecting economic ties, national sovereignty, and international alliances.

The G-7 Summit: A Diplomatic Exclusion with Global Consequences

The exclusion of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the G-7 Summit in Canada scheduled for June 2025 signifies a pivotal moment in global geopolitics, reverberating well beyond the immediate diplomatic rift between Canada and India. This decision stems from:

  • Escalating tensions linked to the Khalistan separatist movement.
  • Serious allegations of Indian intelligence involvement in the assassination of a Canadian citizen.

As the Canadian government engages more directly with Khalistani activists—who advocate for an independent Sikh state—India perceives this as a direct affront to its sovereignty and a troubling endorsement of separatism and terrorism (Bragta, 2022; Khatoon & Khan, 2025).

Modi’s exclusion is not merely a diplomatic snub; it reflects a significant shift in how Western democracies engage with India, typically viewed as a strategic ally in countering China’s growing influence in Asia (Cooper, 2010). For Canada, aligning with elements of the Khalistan movement signals a willingness to challenge India’s narrative on terrorism, jeopardizing its own diplomatic relations and potentially redefining the parameters of global partnerships. Notably, the ramifications of this decision extend beyond India and Canada, influencing broader geopolitical dynamics involving major global powers.

Deteriorating Ties: Canada’s Diplomatic Maneuvering

Canada’s decision to exclude Modi appears to be driven by domestic political considerations, particularly as it seeks to appease its significant Sikh diaspora. The Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh state, has gained support among specific segments of the Sikh community in Canada. The influence of this diaspora on Canadian politics is profound, especially as elections approach, leading to pressures on the government to demonstrate solidarity with constituencies advocating for Khalistani independence (Acharya, 2004).

As Canada navigates this complicated political landscape, it may unintentionally alienate key partners, such as India. The G-7’s decision complicates the already fraught relationships between the West and the Global South, where issues of self-determination and national identity are increasingly contested (Flemes, 2007). The diplomatic exclusion of Modi raises questions about Canada’s commitment to fostering stable international relations and respecting the sovereignty of nations.

What If India Responds with Economic Retaliation?

One potential scenario is India’s decision to retaliate economically against Canada. Should India opt for this course of action, the repercussions could be severe for both nations, as outlined below:

  • Economic Pressure: India could leverage trade, targeting sectors such as agriculture, technology, or pharmaceuticals, significantly impacting Canadian businesses.
  • Harmed Exports: Restrictions on agricultural commodities or access to Indian markets could lead to job losses and economic instability in Canada.
  • National Sentiment: Modi’s government could galvanize public opinion against perceived Western imperialism, framing Canada’s actions as part of a broader conspiracy against India’s sovereignty.

Such retaliation could also catalyze a realignment of India’s foreign relations. Strengthening ties with non-Western powers such as Russia and China may help India counterbalance Western narratives regarding its actions (Gereffi, 2020; Fajgelbaum & Khandelwal, 2022).

What If the Khalistan Movement Gains Momentum?

The potential success of the Khalistan movement in Canada could have transformative effects globally, including:

  • Inspiration for Similar Movements: Activism for Khalistani independence could inspire comparable separatist movements within the Indian diaspora and beyond.
  • Community Tensions: Increased Khalistani activism might exacerbate divisions within the Indian diaspora, leading to socio-political conflicts.

If Canada were to see disturbances linked to these tensions, it would face challenges in maintaining social harmony within its multicultural society. Such developments could lead to calls for policy changes complicating Canada’s stance on self-determination and sovereignty (Singh, 2019; Rathi, 2021).

In the international arena, a strengthened Khalistani movement could challenge the existing consensus around national sovereignty. If Khalistan were to succeed, it could serve as a precedent for separatist movements worldwide, necessitating a reevaluation of Western policies surrounding nationalism and sovereignty (Acharya, 2011).

The Potential Ripple Effects on Global Alliances

The G-7’s handling of India’s exclusion is not merely a localized issue; it may have ripple effects on global alliances and geostrategic positioning. If other G-7 nations were to:

  • Follow Canada’s lead: Express solidarity with the Khalistan movement.
  • Adopt Critical Stance: Take a more critical approach toward India, the political landscape could shift dramatically.

Such a unified stance against Modi’s government could embolden other countries and movements opposing India’s policies, especially concerning contentious issues like Kashmir, citizenship laws, and religious freedoms. A collective anti-India approach could provoke a strong response from India, prompting it to seek new alliances beyond the traditional Western sphere.

Implications for the Global South and the G-7’s Role

The implications of the diplomatic rift between India and Canada extend far beyond their bilateral relations; they are indicative of broader trends affecting the Global South. The G-7’s handling of India’s exclusion reflects an ongoing struggle over:

  • Self-Determination: Issues surrounding national identity.
  • Global Governance: Structures that influence international relations.

As the G-7 navigates these challenges, it risks alienating key partners in the Global South, where many nations view Western diplomacy as** often imperialistic** and self-serving (Alavi, 2023).

The intricate diplomatic strategies of India, Canada, and other nations must navigate a complex web of historical grievances, national identities, and geopolitical interests. For India:

  • Proactive Engagement: Counter the prevailing narrative surrounding the Khalistan movement while emphasizing its commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional stability (Kumar Pandey & Stuart, 2024).

For Canada:

  • Long-Term Implications: Weigh the long-term implications of its diplomatic stance against short-term political gains. A balanced approach involving dialogue with both its Sikh community and Indian officials could help mend frayed relations and avert further escalation.

The G-7 must recognize its historical role in shaping global narratives around self-determination and nationalism. Their collective actions could set precedents impacting international relations. As they navigate these dynamics, promoting dialogue while preventing the entrenchment of sectarian divides will be essential for fostering a stable and just global order.

Moreover, the international community must engage in critical reflection of its foreign policy frameworks, particularly regarding non-state actors and their legitimacy. Emphasizing nuanced understandings of nationalism and self-determination will guide diplomatic actions, moving away from overly simplistic binaries of good versus evil.

In this complex environment, the ability to reimagine alliances, engage in principled diplomacy, and commit to constructive dialogue remains paramount to averting escalating tensions and cultivating a more inclusive global community.

References

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