Ottawa: Sikh groups in Canada have strongly criticized Prime Minister Mark J Carney’s decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta and called the move scandalously in the midst of the ongoing strained connections in the Canada India.
The invitation, which was expanded during a recent phone call and later confirmed by Modi on social media, marks a significant diplomatic gesture despite tensions between the two countries.
The Indian Prime Minister wrote on his ‘X’ handle: “Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister Mark J Carney from Canada. Congratulations to him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 summit in Kananaskis later this month.
As lively democracies bound by deep people-to-people-tape, India and Canada will work with renewed power, guided by mutual respect and common interests. Looking forward to our meeting at the summit. “
The invitation comes at a time when the connections in the Canada India have been tense since 2023, after the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canada had accused India of involvement in the murder while India rejected the allegations, which led to both countries showing diplomats. In addition, accusations of India’s alleged interference in Canadian choices increased further tension.
Meanwhile, the World SIKH Organization of Canada (WSO) condemned Prime Minister Mark Carney’s invitation to the Indian Prime Minister to attend the upcoming G7 summit. The time and nature of this message has caused indignation and pain within the SIKH community throughout Canada, WSO said in a statement.
On May 21, WSO sent a formal letter to Prime Minister Carney, who called on him not to invite Prime Minister Modi.
The letter detailed India’s well-documented campaign with transnational oppression that targeted Sikhs in Canada, including the murder of the Canadian SIKH leader who has agreed to Singep Singh Nijjar and RCMP’s confirmation of “clear and convincing evidence” of the Indian government agents participating in criminal activities on Canadian soil.
Modi’s invitation comes despite India’s continued rejection of cooperating with Canadian authorities, including its denial of requests to waive diplomatic immunity for implicated officials.
Only a few weeks ago, the Bishnoi band – linked to Indian intelligence operations – assumed responsibility for murder 14 May at a SIKH businessman in Mississauga. Modi has openly said that India will now go to other countries and kill those it considers to be its enemies, WSO said.
WSO President Danish Singh said: “For Sikhs in Canada, this is a betrayal, not only for our society, but of core Canadian values. Prime Minister Carney’s decision to invite Narendra Modi, while India continues to deny any role in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and refuses to cooperate with Canadian authorities, is both ashamed and dangerous.
He said that India has done much more on Canadian soil with regard to foreign interference and transnational oppression, including orchestration of murder.
“What message does this send to the Sikh community and to the family of Hardeep Singh Nijjar? This is a complete reversal of the principle attitude taken by Prime Minister Trudeau, and it undermines justice, accountability, and the rule of law in Canada. Danish Singh said.
