The decision by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to extend an official invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G7 Summit could significantly reshape the relationship between the Canadian Sikh community and the federal government. While such an invitation may be framed as a diplomatic step aimed at strengthening Canada’s international ties, particularly in trade, security, and global cooperation, it carries deep emotional and political implications for a large segment of Canadian Sikhs.
A substantial portion of the Sikh diaspora in Canada harbours deep concerns regarding the treatment of Sikhs and other minorities under Modi’s leadership in India. The memory of past injustices, including the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the continued imprisonment of Sikh political prisoners, and the more recent targeting of farmers, many of whom are Sikhs, during the 2020–2021 protest movement, remains fresh and painful for many. The pro-Khalistan segment of the community, which has grown in prominence in recent years, perceives Modi’s government as hostile to Sikh identity and expression. For them, the invitation symbolizes a disregard for their historical trauma and ongoing political struggles
. Many community leaders and advocacy groups may view this diplomatic gesture as a betrayal by the Canadian government, which has traditionally prided itself on its commitment to human rights, freedom of expression, and multicultural inclusivity. The political fallout could manifest in increased protests, loss of electoral support for the ruling party, and heightened demands for the Canadian government to take a firmer stance on human rights issues in India. On the other hand, some Canadian Sikhs—especially those involved in international business, trade, education, or bilateral cultural exchange—might view this as an opportunity to re-engage with India on terms that could benefit the diaspora economically and socially.
However, even these moderates may find it difficult to fully support the move without accompanying assurances that Sikh voices and concerns will be respected in any Canada-India dialogue. Furthermore, this diplomatic outreach could deepen internal divisions within the Sikh community in Canada, polarising individuals along ideological lines—between those seeking closer India ties and those advocating for Sikh sovereignty or justice for past and present human rights abuses.
The Canadian government now faces the difficult task of balancing strategic geopolitical interests with domestic responsibility to its constituents, particularly the over 800,000-strong Sikh population that has contributed immensely to the country’s cultural, political, and economic fabric. Unless the invitation is accompanied by clear and transparent engagement with Sikh community leaders, along with reaffirmations of Canada’s commitment to human rights and religious freedom, the move risks alienating a critical demographic and further straining already sensitive diaspora relations. As such, this development could become a turning point in the evolving narrative of Canada’s relationship with both its Sikh citizens and the government of India.
The timing of this diplomatic gesture is particularly sensitive, as it comes amid growing tension between India and sections of the Sikh diaspora in Canada. In recent years, Canadian Sikhs have expressed increasing frustration over what they view as the Indian government’s attempts to interfere in diaspora activism, including labeling Sikh political expression as extremism. Several Sikh leaders in Canada have been monitored or even threatened due to their outspoken advocacy for Punjab’s autonomy and justice for past atrocities. Moreover, following the controversial killing of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023 and the subsequent deterioration of India-Canada diplomatic relations, the community has remained on edge. The invitation to Prime Minister Modi without visible steps to address these underlying concerns may be seen as an attempt to normalize relations at the cost of accountability and justice. This perception could significantly damage the Canadian government’s credibility among Sikhs who have long relied on Canada’s democratic values to give them a voice. Prime Minister Carney’s administration will need to proceed with great care, ensuring that engagement with India does not come at the expense of alienating one of Canada’s most vibrant, vocal, and politically active communities.