Sikh advocacy groups are urging Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to cancel his invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, citing deep concerns about foreign interference and the safety of Sikh Canadians.
At a press conference held Thursday on Parliament Hill, representatives from the World Sikh Organization of Canada and Sikh Federation Canada called for a public inquiry into India’s alleged transnational repression and interference in Canadian domestic affairs. They argued that until India fully cooperates with ongoing investigations and ceases hostile actions against Canadian Sikhs, Modi’s invitation should be revoked.
“This is a Canadian issue, but it doesn’t feel like it’s being treated that way,” said Balpreet Singh, spokesperson for the World Sikh Organization. “It’s being brushed off as a ‘Sikh issue,’ as though targeting a specific minority by a foreign government is acceptable. Meanwhile, we’re rolling out red carpets for Prime Minister Modi.”
The groups also demanded an immediate halt to intelligence-sharing between Canada and India. Their concerns stem largely from the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh activist, which Canadian authorities—including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the RCMP—have linked to Indian government agents.
Public inquiry reports have identified both India and China as primary players in foreign interference campaigns targeting Canada. Adding to their alarm, the groups cited a recent Global News investigation which alleged that former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was placed under surveillance by an Indian operative affiliated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang—an organization accused by RCMP of orchestrating attacks on behalf of India.
Jagmeet Singh, who received an official “duty to warn” alert from the RCMP in December 2023 due to a credible threat to his life, was reportedly under constant police protection during the birth of his daughter. His brother, Gurratan Singh, said their family believes the threat originated from India, though no official confirmation has been given. He added, “It’s terrifying that a prominent leader like Jagmeet had to welcome his child into the world under the shadow of armed security.”
Concerns have also been raised about the vulnerability of Sikh leaders outside of public office. Gurratan Singh noted that as a private citizen now, Jagmeet Singh is unlikely to receive continued RCMP protection if threats persist.
“If the highest-profile Sikh in Canada isn’t safe, what does that mean for the rest of us?” asked Balpreet Singh. Moninder Singh of the Sikh Federation Canada revealed that he has received multiple RCMP warnings over the years regarding threats to his life, including warnings that explicitly mentioned assassination attempts. One such threat forced him to leave his home for five months.
He expressed worry for the next generation, saying, “Our kids are seeing this on social media. They see Sikh leaders being targeted, and they start to question their worth in Canadian society.”
Balpreet Singh shared a troubling conversation with a Sikh politician who said they feared speaking out. “I was told, ‘Jagmeet got targeted because he spoke up. Why would anyone else take that risk?’” Singh said. “That’s a chilling commentary on the state of our democracy.”
NDP MP Heather McPherson echoed those concerns, warning that fear of retaliation from foreign governments could silence Members of Parliament. “If elected officials are afraid to speak for fear of being targeted, then we’re already seeing the erosion of Canadian sovereignty,” she said.
The G7 Summit is scheduled for June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. The timing of Modi’s expected arrival is particularly sensitive, as it comes just one day before the two-year anniversary of Nijjar’s killing on June 18.
Prime Minister Carney met with Sikh members of the Liberal caucus earlier this week to discuss the backlash. Following the meeting, B.C. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal, who has publicly opposed Modi’s invitation, stated that Carney was “alarmed” and would respond “strongly.”
Despite these reassurances, Balpreet Singh expressed skepticism. “We’ve heard this before. Without clear action—like canceling the invitation, halting intelligence-sharing, and launching a full public inquiry—it all sounds like political lip service.”
In response, Sikh communities across the country are preparing for a wave of protests. A major anti-Modi rally is scheduled for this Saturday on Parliament Hill, with additional events planned in Surrey, B.C., Banff, and Calgary, culminating in a week-long campaign of remembrance and resistance.