India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing a growing diplomatic setback, as evidenced by its exclusion—so far—from the Group of Seven (G7) Summit scheduled in Canada. This absence marks a symbolic defeat and reinforces the narrative that India’s rising authoritarianism and external aggression are eroding its international standing.
A humiliating defeat at the hands of Pakistan, coupled with the Modi government’s treatment of minorities—especially Muslims and Sikhs—and its alleged involvement in transnational operations targeting dissenters abroad, has brought India under intense global scrutiny.
One of the clearest indications of this declining standing is Canada’s decision to withhold an invitation to Modi for the G7 Summit—an event where India was previously welcomed as a strategic partner.
In 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of being behind the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. The statement sent shockwaves across diplomatic corridors and prompted global concern over India’s covert operations on foreign soil. Canadian intelligence services later confirmed the presence of a network involved in surveilling and targeting Sikh activists, reportedly with ties to Indian operatives.
This growing evidence of India’s foreign interference has led to calls from human rights organizations to suspend New Delhi’s participation in international forums unless it offers transparency and accountability. The situation has become a flashpoint in India-Canada relations, with Sikh diaspora organizations urging global institutions to avoid legitimizing a regime they view as intolerant and authoritarian.
The current standoff is not without precedent. During Trudeau’s 2018 visit to India, Modi pointedly avoided official protocol by assigning junior-level officials to receive the Canadian prime minister—an act widely criticized as a breach of diplomatic etiquette. This incident, seen by many as politically motivated due to
Trudeau’s vocal stance on minority rights, foreshadowed the current breakdown in bilateral ties.
Internationally, India’s approach toward religious minorities and political dissent is increasingly being equated with state-backed persecution. Sikh groups such as the Sikh Federation UK have issued statements opposing Modi’s inclusion in Canada-based summits, arguing that honoring leaders who silence dissent sends the wrong message about democracy and human rights.
Moreover, Western intelligence assessments have revealed that India’s activities are not limited to Canada. Similar concerns have been raised in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia regarding India’s growing use of soft power and clandestine tactics to influence foreign political landscapes.
While India faces mounting criticism, Pakistan is quietly gaining diplomatic capital by highlighting its commitment to sovereignty and multilateral cooperation. In comparison to India’s aggressive posturing, Pakistan’s messaging on issues like human rights and non-interference appears to resonate more with the current global mood.
India’s exclusion from the G7 is not merely a diplomatic oversight—it is a reflection of the world’s growing unease with a regime that promotes a Hindutva ideology, marginalizes its minorities, and extends its repressive policies beyond its borders. As global forums prioritize democratic values and human rights, Modi’s India risks becoming increasingly isolated, not just from Western allies but from the broader international community.
