PM Modi seems more keen to visit Canada

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s eagerness to visit Canada for the G7 Summit slightly outpaces Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s, driven by India’s proactive diplomatic goals versus Canada’s more reserved, duty-bound approach.

It appears that PM Modi is more eager, as his participation counters past tensions and aligns with his broader foreign policy goals of elevating India’s global role and engaging the diaspora. His public rhetoric emphasizes opportunity and reconciliation. Carney, while welcoming, seems driven by Canada’s G7 obligations and strategic interests, with less emotional or personal investment in the bilateral relationship. Modi’s prompt acceptance versus Canada’s procedural invitation reinforces this perception.

Modi’s swift acceptance of Carney’s invitation suggests significant enthusiasm. His statement emphasizing shared democratic values, deep people-to-people ties, and the intent to strengthen bilateral relations indicates a proactive stance. The visit, his first to Canada since 2015, comes despite recent strains over the Nijjar case, signaling Modi’s willingness to engage diplomatically to mend ties and project India’s global influence.

On the other hand, Carney’s invitation to Modi, as reported, reflects Canada’s interest in engaging India, a major global economy. His comments on India’s centrality to global supply chains and economic importance suggest a strategic motive to include India in G7 discussions. However, Carney’s approach appears more measured, framed as part of Canada’s broader G7 hosting duties, which also involve inviting other leaders like South Korea’s Yoon Suk-yeol. There’s no indication of personal urgency beyond diplomatic protocol, and Canada’s focus on law enforcement dialogue (e.g., the Nijjar case) suggests a pragmatic rather than overtly enthusiastic stance.