Liberal MPs voice concerns to Carney over G7 invite to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi

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He also said when he spoke to Modi by phone, they agreed to continue “law enforcement to law enforcement dialogue” and noted that “some progress” had been made on issues of “accountability.”

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Ottawa Liberal MP Yasir Naqvi told reporters that having India at the G7 provides an opportunity for direct talks with Canada. He also said he believes Canadian authorities can continue to probe criminal allegations against India, while the government still engages in diplomacy.

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“There’s no excuse for the very serious allegations around extrajudicial claim. But that means that we need to engage India in those conversations, make sure that they do cooperate in the investigations that (are) taking place, and that only happens if there is a relationship, if there is engagement between our government and theirs,” he said on Wednesday.

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“There is an opportunity for the prime minister to speak directly with the Indian prime minister.”

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Sikh groups have denounced Modi’s invitation and planned to meet with MPs later on Wednesday to press them to speak up.

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Earlier this week, a coalition of Sikh Canadian organizations wrote to MPs from the Liberals and Conservatives whose ridings have sizeable Sikh populations, asking them to reject the invitation.

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In a statement posted to X on Monday, Randeep Sarai, who serves as the secretary of state for international development, responded to some of those concerns.

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“As a proud Sikh Canadian and Member of Parliament, I hear the concerns many of you are expressing regarding India’s participation at the G7.”

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“Let me be clear: the safety and security of Canadians is, and always will be, our top priority.”

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International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu told reporters on Wednesday he has heard “concerns about invitations to leaders,” but defended the need to bring together different leaders to sort through economic issues, given the uncertainty caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s global tariffs.

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“We need to be able to collaborate and, of course, work out some issues.”

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Ontario Liberal MP and former cabinet minister Karina Gould said she understands why, in a time of economic uncertainty and the need to diversify trade, it was important to have both India and Saudi Arabia around the table.

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“But that being said, as Canada, you know, we also have certain values that are important to us, when it comes to human rights.”

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National Post

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