NDP joins Sikh community in condemning Modi’s G7 Invitation

OTTAWA – On Friday, NDP critic for Public Safety and National Security Jenny Kwan and NDP critic for Foreign Affairs Heather McPherson expressed deep concern and solidarity with the Sikh community following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s inappropriate invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.

“This decision is profoundly troubling and deeply hurtful to the Sikh community in Canada,” said Kwan. “It is unconscionable that the government would roll out the red carpet for Prime Minister Modi, whose regime has been directly implicated in the assassination of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This form of transnational repression is a direct threat to the diaspora community and Canada's sovereignty. The government must explain how justice and human rights are being upheld through this invitation.

“At a time when India refuses to cooperate with Canadian authorities and denies responsibility for extrajudicial killings, this move undermines efforts to hold foreign powers accountable for interference and violence in our country.”

On May 21, the World Sikh Organization (WSO) sent a formal letter to Prime Minister Carney, urging him not to extend an invitation to Modi. That letter cited India’s campaign of intimidation and violence against Canadian Sikhs, including RCMP-confirmed evidence of Indian government agents involved in criminal activities on Canadian soil.

“Inviting Prime Minister Modi sends the wrong message—not only to the Sikh community but to all Canadians who believe in the rule of law,” said McPherson.

The date of the announcement — June 6 — coincides with the anniversary of the 1984 assault on the Golden Temple, a traumatic and deeply significant moment in Sikh history. The G7 Summit itself will occur just days before the second anniversary of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s assassination on June 18.

“Canadians expect the government to stand in solidarity with Canadians who have expressed their concerns about the BJP government’s record and human rights violations in India,” said McPherson. “Some of these Canadians live in fear of threat of reprisal against themselves and their families. Canada must stand on the side of human rights, justice, and accountability—not diplomatic expediency.”

New Democrats reaffirm their commitment to working alongside the Sikh community and all Canadians to ensure that justice, transparency, and human rights remain at the core of Canada’s foreign and domestic policy decisions.

The NDP is calling on the government to rescind this invitation and to clearly affirm that political violence and foreign interference on Canadian soil will not be tolerated—regardless of the country involved.