Inviting Modi to G7 undermines Canada’s democratic values, Sikh community’s safety

Humayun Aziz Sandeela

When Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming G7 summit, it was seen by many as a gesture of diplomatic engagement with the leader of the world’s most populous democracy. But for thousands of Canadians—particularly those from the Sikh community—it has landed as a blow to their safety, dignity, and trust in the very institutions meant to protect them.

More than a dozen Canadian Sikhs are reportedly living under active assassination threats. These aren’t vague or unsubstantiated fears; these are real, police-acknowledged threats, and according to the World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO), they trace directly back to the Indian state.

That the Canadian government, in full knowledge of this, is choosing to roll out the red carpet for the man under whose leadership this transnational repression has accelerated, is deeply troubling.

A Dangerous Precedent

India’s targeting of Canadian citizens, particularly those from the Sikh diaspora who speak out for human rights and the Khalistani movement, has moved from suspicion to open confirmation. The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey in 2023 marked a dark turning point. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s revelation in Parliament that credible intelligence linked Indian government agents to Nijjar’s murder shattered the illusion that foreign interference was limited to cyber attacks or misinformation campaigns. This was an alleged state-sponsored assassination on Canadian soil.

Now, with the G7 summit in sight, the message Canada appears to be sending is not one of strength and sovereignty, but of appeasement.

Modi’s Presence Isn’t Symbolic—It’s Alarming

Welcoming Modi is not merely about diplomatic engagement—it’s about choosing priorities. Modi’s government has repeatedly been accused of silencing dissent, enabling sectarian violence, and undermining press freedom. For Sikhs, Kashmiris, Muslims, Dalits, and other marginalized groups in India, Modi’s regime symbolizes systematic state oppression. For many Canadians, especially Sikhs, his presence at a forum like the G7—meant to be a gathering of liberal democracies—is a contradiction of everything the summit stands for.

Balpreet Singh of the WSO and Moninder Singh of the Sikh Federation (Canada) made powerful statements this week on Parliament Hill, detailing how threats from India have forced them to change the way they live: avoiding public spaces, skipping their children’s school events, and constantly fearing for their lives.

That this kind of fear is being tolerated in a country like Canada, which prides itself on human rights and freedom of expression, should be unthinkable.

Where Is the Accountability?

Canadian law enforcement agencies have confirmed these threats and, in some cases, offered protective detail. But many affected individuals, including high-profile figures like former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, reportedly no longer receive such protection—even as the threats persist. This inconsistency reflects poorly on our national security protocols and raises urgent questions about whether political considerations are outweighing the safety of Canadian citizens.

The call for a public inquiry into Indian foreign interference isn’t just about protecting the Sikh community—it’s about protecting Canadian democracy. Foreign powers should never be allowed to intimidate or harm Canadians with impunity.

Beyond Optics: Real Diplomacy Requires Boundaries

Supporters of the Modi invitation argue that his participation is crucial given India’s growing geopolitical weight. They say India must be “part of the conversation.” But the real question is: What kind of conversation?

If Canada wants to lead on the global stage, it must stand for democratic integrity—not just strategic alliances. That means drawing clear lines when a partner nation is credibly accused of targeting your citizens.

A Time for Political Courage

The Trudeau government once showed political courage by publicly naming India in Nijjar’s killing. The current administration must now show similar resolve. Rescinding Modi’s G7 invitation would send a powerful message: Canada does not tolerate foreign interference or state-sponsored violence against its citizens—no matter how large or influential the foreign state might be.

The G7 is not just a diplomatic event. It’s a platform that reflects the values of its host country. For Canada to allow Modi a seat at that table while ignoring the cries of its own Sikh citizens would be a tragic abdication of its moral responsibility.

This is not about diplomacy. It’s about decency. And right now, Canadian Sikhs—and all Canadians who believe in justice—are watching closely.