The World Sikh Organization has vehemently condemned Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 summit, labeling it a “betrayal” of the Sikh community and core Canadian values. This strong reaction follows Canadian federal police allegations linking the Indian government to the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Prime Minister Carney, when pressed by reporters, refused to offer a personal opinion on Modi’s potential involvement in Nijjar’s assassination, citing an ongoing and advanced legal process in Canada. He stressed that making such remarks would be inappropriate. The charges laid against four Indian nationals in connection with the murder have already led to a significant diplomatic fallout between Ottawa and New Delhi.
The G7 summit, scheduled for mid-June in Kananaskis, Alberta, is a gathering of major global leaders. Carney defended his controversial invite by emphasizing India’s considerable global influence. He cited India’s status as the world’s fifth-largest economy and most populous nation, along with its centrality to global supply chains, as reasons for needing to engage its leader on crucial matters like energy, AI, and critical minerals.
Beyond the India-Canada dynamic, Carney’s nascent administration is actively working to de-escalate international tensions. This includes efforts to normalize communications with China following a costly trade dispute and engaging with the US to lift tariffs. However, for the Sikh community, the decision to host Modi under these circumstances is a stark reminder of the challenges they face in their pursuit of justice.