Key Points
- Khalistani groups in Canada burn Indian flag, raise death threats against PM Modi after G-7 invite.
- New Canadian PM Mark Carney’s efforts to mend ties with India hit a setback.
- Sikh for Justice and Gurpatwant Singh Pannu play central roles in anti-India protests.
- Pannu thanks PM Carney for ‘opportunity’ to protest during G-7; announces 48-hour agitation.
- Indian government expresses strong displeasure, demands action from Canada.
- Indian diplomats in Canada face increased harassment and security concerns.
New Delhi: Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have suffered another blow just as newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was attempting to reset ties after Justin Trudeau’s exit. The latest flashpoint: aggressive protests by Khalistani groups in Canada, which have included the burning of the Indian tricolor and open death threats to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Khalistani Outrage Over Modi’s G-7 Invitation
This year, Canada is hosting the prestigious G-7 summit in Alberta from June 15 to 17. In a significant diplomatic gesture, PM Carney invited PM Modi to attend the event, and Modi accepted after a phone conversation last Friday.
However, the invitation triggered a furious response from Khalistani organizations, especially the banned group Sikh for Justice. Protests erupted in Vancouver and other Canadian cities, where demonstrators not only burned the Indian flag but also raised chilling slogans like “Kill Modi.” According to Canadian investigative journalist Mocha Bezirgan, who was present at one rally, protesters explicitly threatened Modi, drawing parallels to the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi.
Pannu’s Provocation: 48-Hour Protest and Threats
Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, the US-based leader of Sikh for Justice and a designated terrorist by India, released a video thanking PM Carney for what he called a “historic opportunity” to target Modi during the G-7 summit. Pannu announced a 48-hour protest, promising continuous agitation from Modi’s arrival in Canada until his departure.
Rising Security Concerns for Indian Diplomats
The Indian government has reacted sharply to these developments. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned both the burning of the national flag and the threats to PM Modi, expressing deep concern over the lack of effective action by Canadian authorities. India has also highlighted the ongoing harassment and unsafe environment faced by its diplomats in Canada, demanding urgent steps to ensure their security.
Diplomatic Setback for Carney’s Government
PM Mark Carney’s initial efforts to thaw the frosty India-Canada relationship now face a major test. The resurgence of Khalistani activism and the Canadian government’s perceived inaction could further strain bilateral ties, especially as the world’s attention turns to the G-7 summit.
Background: Longstanding Tensions
India has repeatedly raised the issue of anti-India activities and Khalistani extremism on Canadian soil, accusing Ottawa of not doing enough to curb separatist elements. The latest incidents have only deepened mistrust, with New Delhi warning that unchecked extremism could derail diplomatic engagement.
