Canada’s G7 chair, Prime Minister Mark Carney, invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Alberta summit (June 15–17, 2025), drawing fierce backlash from Sikh groups in Canada. Critics argue the invite undercuts justice and accountability, especially in light of the ongoing investigation into the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023 on Canadian soil—a killing those Canadian authorities link to agents of the Indian government With Modi poised to grace Canada’s premier international stage, Carney is betting on global optics, yet domestic undercurrents suggest a political landmine beneath his feet.
Leaders representing the World Sikh Organization of Canada and Sikh Federation Canada voiced sharp condemnation. Balpreet Singh, legal counsel and spokesperson for the World Sikh Organization said: “This is a Canadian issue, but it doesn’t feel as though this is being treated like a Canadian issue. If a foreign government is killing them or threatening them or surveilling them, it’s OK. We’ll invite the prime minister and we’ll have a weekend in the mountains and we’ll chat.” He further branded the move “a betrayal of Canadian values,” noting the summit coincides with the second anniversary of Nijjar’s assassination and contradicts the principled stance of former PM Trudeau.
Moninder Singh, spokesperson for the Sikh Federation Canada and B.C. Gurdwaras Council added that their group is calling for a public inquiry into India’s alleged foreign interference and transnational repression.
Prime Minister Carney, however, defended the invitation by highlighting India’s global significance by saying: “India is the fifth largest economy in the world, the most populous country in the world and central to supply chains”. He also emphasized ongoing “law enforcement dialogue” aimed at accountability. He declined to speculate on any involvement by Modi in Nijjar’s death, citing ongoing legal processes.
Looking at the parliamentary numbers, 15 Sikh MPs currently serve in the House—a notable bloc representing roughly 2.12 % of Canada’s population and 4.4 % of seats. Of these, 12 are Liberals, and three belong to Conservative/NDP ranks, giving the Liberals decisive leverage—but only if Kartini’s gamble holds. On the provincial front, there are 6 MPs in Ontario, 5 in B.C., 3 in Alberta—precisely the battlegrounds for Carney’s appeal.
Without overthinking or fearing a snap election, it’s better to have a full picture in front of us to see whether Carney has taken a calculated risk or played a bluff to test the resolve of the Sikh community or just the MPs. Let’s not forget that currently, Mark Carney holds a minority government with 157 seats in the 338-seat House of Commons. To pass legislation or survive confidence motions, he must secure at least 170 votes, often relying on support from the NDP (25 seats) or independents.
However, the loyalty of 12 Sikh Liberal MPs is now under strain due to Carney’s controversial decision to invite Indian PM Narendra Modi to the G7 summit—a move seen by many in the Sikh community as a betrayal amidst ongoing outrage over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. If these 12 Liberal MPs were to defect, abstain, or side with the Opposition in a confidence vote, the Liberal government could fall short of the majority threshold, potentially triggering a snap election or forcing Carney into precarious coalition negotiations. In a chamber this finely balanced, even symbolic dissent could destabilize Carney’s grip on power. Just to top it off, a recent survey by the Angus Reid Institute found that 54% of Sikh voters in Canada support the Conservative Party, while 21% favour the Liberals and 20% back the NDP
In cities across Canada, Sikh protests are mobilizing fast. Khalistan-affiliated groups are organizing sustained demonstrations slated for the G7 in Alberta, aimed at maximizing visibility during summit sessions. On past occasions, Sikh protesters burned Indian flags and hurled shoes at Modi effigies in Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa. These charged actions often coincide with symbolic dates—like Nijjar’s assassination anniversary or Khalsa Day, when tensions are already high. Experts familiar with the situation believe that anticipated flashpoints include the Ross Street Gurdwara and Kanishka Memorial in Toronto, drawing attention to both local grief and global demands.
Even within the Liberal fold, discontent is brewing because in recent days, Sukh Dhaliwal (Liberal MP, B.C.) called the invitation “a bad idea”, signalling a rupture with core Sikh-aligned caucus members. Opposition and Sikh advocacy voices are demanding accountability, some urging legal scrutiny and even public inquiry into foreign interference.
With 15 Sikh MPs, and 12 Liberals among them, Carney must thread a narrow needle. A single defection could tip votes in confidence motions or weaken the minority government’s grip.
Based on years of covering such political gambles, I can see that it may backfire politically. Since the protests are being planned, and once they get the media coverage during the sumitt, it could amplify the perception of Liberal disregard for Sikh concerns. That, in turn, might prompt defections or encourage Conservative inroads in hotly contested ridings.
Simultaneously, the Sikh MPs are already responding to the community outrage by demanding public inquiries into foreign interference, led by MPs like Sukh Dhaliwal (Motion M‑112 champion). Demands could shift from ministerial statements to parliamentary motions requiring action.
For sure, Prime Minister Carney is walking a fine line of enhancing ties with India after a rough patch, while containing domestic dissent. Failure to balance those could rattle national unity, as seen in Brampton’s 2024 temple Hindu-Sikh clashes. In pure electoral terms, Careny’s actions and gestures will have long term impact on Liberals as a whole. With Sikh voters already showing a visible leaning toward Conservatives (54 %), according to 2024 polls, if Carney’s move is perceived as callous, that base could solidify against the Liberals, reshaping national rides in 2025 and beyond.
To weather this storm, political experts believe that Carney must act decisively. There are several options available for Carney, which include initiating a formal parliamentary inquiry to signal the seriousness of the investigation of Nijjar’s death and interference allegations. Another option suggested by political pacifists is that Carney should meet directly with Sikh community leaders during the summit as a public gesture of respect and attentiveness. The third option suggested by administrative pundits is to guarantee enhanced security and funding for anti-interference measures, which will help address the core safety issue of the Sikh community.
Such moves are no longer optional; they are politically urgent. Left unaddressed, this controversy could unravel Carney’s fragile coalition and embolden opposition actors ahead of looming electoral battles.
Carney’s invitation to Modi was a calculated geopolitical statement—but domestic theatre has turned it into a high-risk gambit. The Sikh community’s deep presence in Canada’s political equation means their response won’t fade post-summit. To hold power, Carney must pivot emphatically: elevate justice, demonstrate responsiveness, and recalibrate the optics before the backlash becomes unmanageable.
