Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit in June, in an effort to improve relations that have been strained over the past two years. The invitation was extended during a phone conversation between the two leaders on Friday.

Both leaders agreed to stay in touch and expressed anticipation about meeting at the G7 summit, scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. Although India is not a G7 member, it may be invited as a guest to the annual event. Modi acknowledged the invitation in a social media post, expressing gratitude and highlighting the commitment of both countries to work together with renewed energy, based on mutual respect and shared goals.

Relations between India and Canada have worsened following Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader, as well as claims of interference in Canadian elections. In response, Canada expelled several Indian diplomats last October, accusing them of participating in activities targeting Indian dissidents on Canadian soil. India denied these accusations and retaliated by expelling an equal number of Canadian diplomats.

Trade between the two nations remains significant, with India ranking as Canada’s tenth-largest trading partner and Canada being a major supplier of pulses, such as lentils, to India.

Carney, who aims to reduce Canada’s reliance on the United States for trade, said it is appropriate for the G7 to include India due to its status as the world’s fifth-largest economy and its key role in global supply chains. He also noted progress in bilateral law enforcement talks, emphasizing accountability and cooperation as important components of the renewed relationship.

Four Indian nationals have been formally charged in connection with the assassination of the Sikh separatist leader.