Canada flags 'foreign interference, transnational crime' ahead of G7 summit to be attended by Modi
New Delhi: As the G7 Summit approaches, Canada has listed “foreign interference and transnational crime” among its top priorities, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to attend following a last-minute invitation. The summit, beginning on June 15, will be hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who outlined the agenda centred around three key missions, the first of which focuses on protecting communities through enhanced peace and security, wildfire coordination, and efforts to counter foreign meddling.
The timing and context of Modi’s invitation have drawn attention, as it came unusually late compared to invitations extended to other non-G7 nations like Mexico and South Africa, which received theirs by mid-May. Carney clarified that Modi’s invitation followed “progress” in law enforcement dialogue between the two countries, a statement seen as an effort to manage domestic backlash over India’s inclusion.
Canada’s emphasis on countering foreign interference carries added significance given its diplomatic tensions with India. Ties soured after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, a charge India strongly denied. The diplomatic fallout included tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats and a freeze in official engagements.
Further strain came after a Canadian public inquiry into foreign meddling identified both China and India as actors attempting to influence its political processes. A January 2025 report by the Hogue Commission cited intelligence suggesting a proxy linked to the Indian government may have tried to covertly fund candidates from multiple Canadian parties in 2021.
India, in response, accused Canada of interfering in its internal matters and promoting groups it considers extremist, including pro-Khalistani outfits. With Modi’s visit confirmed, Indian authorities are reportedly working rapidly to finalise logistics, including visa processing and accommodation, amid possible demonstrations from diaspora-based protest groups.
The trip includes transit stops in Cyprus, marking the first Indian PM visit there since 2002 and Croatia, which was earlier dropped from Modi’s Europe tour following the Pahalgam attack.
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NCW chief condemns rape-murder of 4-year-old girl in Pune, calls for swift action
New Delhi (PTI): National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has condemned the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Pune, calling it "deeply distressing" and a "blot on humanity".
The girl was allegedly raped and killed by a 65-year-old labourer, who has a criminal record, in Bhor tehsil of Pune on Friday. The accused allegedly lured the child to a cattle enclosure on the pretext of giving her food. After raping her, he killed her by hitting her with a stone, according to police.
The accused has been arrested.
In a post on X on Saturday, Rahatkar said the incident in the Nasrapur area in Pune was heartbreaking and has shaken society.
"The brutal torture and murder of a four-year-old innocent girl in Nasrapur (Bhor, Pune) is deeply painful, heartbreaking, and shocking. It is a blot on humanity," she said.
She said Pune Rural police has arrested the accused and noted that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar have assured strict action in the case.
Rahatkar said the NCW has taken cognisance of the matter and written to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), requesting the body to ensure necessary and prompt action.
It has also been recommended that the case be pursued under stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and be closely monitored from the filing of the chargesheet to proceedings in a fast-track special court to ensure time-bound justice, she added.
Ensuring justice for the victim and stringent punishment for the accused is a collective responsibility, the NCW chairperson underlined.
In a post on X, the NCW said it has taken suo motu cognisance of the extremely "heinous" incident.
"This heinous crime causes profound pain and outrage, and it highlights serious concerns regarding the safety of young girls," it said.
Strongly condemning this grave "inhuman act", the NCW said such crimes constitute a serious violation of children's rights and raise questions about society's security system.
