Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gave Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a prominent spot at the G7 summit, which Modi utilized to interact with leaders whose governments have accused his administration of orchestrating assassination plots.
Modi was strategically placed at the centre of the family photo, allowing him to approach US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. These encounters were significant, given the allegations of murder plots against dissidents by Modi’s government in both the US and Canada.
Arriving at the summit, Modi faced diplomatic challenges, including accusations from Canada regarding the killing of a Sikh separatist and from the US about a failed assassination attempt. Despite these issues, Modi’s invitation to the G7 underscores India’s pivotal role in the global economic landscape, particularly in the competition between the G7 and China.
During the summit, Modi had a brief chat with Biden and shared a photo with Trudeau. The US has maintained its stance on the assassination allegations, with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan indicating ongoing discussions at senior levels.
Trudeau, asked about his interaction with Modi, chose not to elaborate, emphasizing the importance of addressing sensitive issues through continued cooperation.
Modi appeared to enjoy the summit, as evidenced by a cheerful clip posted by Meloni. The recent arrest of four Indian nationals in connection with the assassination in Canada highlights the ongoing tension between the two countries. However, there are signs of improved cooperation on the investigation, potentially paving the way for constructive dialogue.
The previous in-person meeting between Modi and Trudeau at the G-20 in New Delhi was marked by tension, with Trudeau presenting evidence of a hit job and experiencing a delayed departure due to a plane malfunction. This backdrop underscores the significance of their recent interaction at the G7.
