Khalistani Extremists Stage Protest During PM Modi’s Visit to Canada for G7 Summit.
Khalistani extremists gathered in Kananaskis, Alberta, staging what they described as an “ambush protest” against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Canada to attend the G7 summit. This protest coincided with the second leg of PM Modi’s ongoing three-nation tour, which includes stops in Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia.
During his visit to Canada, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, as well as leaders from Germany, Italy, and Ukraine on the sidelines of the summit.
Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman reported that in the lead-up to Modi’s arrival, a group of Khalistani separatists held intense anti-India demonstrations in Calgary. Protesters called on Prime Minister Carney to “end Modi politics” and urged U.S. President Donald Trump to “kill India politics.” Some demonstrators reportedly advocated for the “Balkanisation of India.”
Footage from the protest showed aggressive actions such as stomping on and tearing the Indian national flag. Bordman noted that multiple microphones blared simultaneously, creating a chaotic atmosphere. An anti-Modi song was also played during the rally, which he described as pushing the boundaries of acceptable public expression in Canada.
Canadian journalist Mocha Bezirgan also highlighted the involvement of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a separatist organisation banned in India, in the protests. Bezirgan previously reported being assaulted and threatened while covering a pro-Khalistan rally in Vancouver earlier this month.
The protests have drawn condemnation from Sikh religious bodies in India. Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar strongly denounced the use of children in the demonstrations and the anti-India rhetoric. “The way children were used in the protests is highly condemnable,” said spokesperson Sudeep Singh.
‘Khalistani Presence Waning’ Amid Canada-India Economic Focus
Despite the protests, some analysts believe the influence of Khalistani elements in Canada is waning. Daniel Bordman praised Prime Minister Carney for inviting Modi to the G7 Summit, calling it a “strategic shift” in bilateral relations.
“The Khalistani menace seems to be toned down because Mark Carney is an economist. There is more economic value in building ties with India than supporting fringe extremist groups propped up by foreign powers,” Bordman said.
He added that Carney’s decision signals a move away from the permissive policies of the past regarding extremist elements. “This is a good first step toward counter-radicalisation,” he told ANI.
India has consistently raised concerns with Ottawa over its perceived leniency toward Khalistani extremists. Bilateral relations have faced strain due to these tensions, particularly following accusations from Canadian officials that New Delhi targeted pro-Khalistan individuals on Canadian soil — allegations strongly denied by India.
With PM Modi’s presence at the G7 and renewed diplomatic engagement, observers suggest that Canada may be recalibrating its approach toward extremist activity in favour of stronger economic and strategic cooperation with India.
Comments are closed.