Ottawa, Canada: The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) has sharply criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, calling the move “a betrayal” of Sikh Canadians and a reversal of Canada’s prior principled stance on foreign interference.

In a strongly worded statement issued Thursday, the WSO condemned the timing and implications of the invitation, citing India’s alleged campaign of transnational repression targeting Sikh activists in Canada. The organization warned that welcoming Modi sends a troubling message, particularly to the Sikh community still reeling from the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.

“This is a betrayal, not just of our community, but of core Canadian values,” said WSO President Danish Singh. “Prime Minister Carney’s decision to invite Narendra Modi, while India continues to deny any role in the assassination of Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar and refuses to cooperate with Canadian authorities, is both shameful and dangerous.”

The WSO had previously urged Carney to reconsider the invitation. In a letter sent on May 21, the organization detailed India’s alleged role in the Nijjar killing and cited the RCMP’s confirmation of “clear and compelling evidence” that Indian agents had conducted criminal activities on Canadian soil. The letter also referenced India’s refusal to lift diplomatic immunity for officials implicated in the case.

Tensions between India and Canada hit a low point after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly stated in September 2023 that there were “credible allegations” linking the Indian government to Nijjar’s killing. India rejected the claims as “absurd” and responded by suspending visa services for Canadians and ordering a reduction in Canadian diplomatic staff in India.

The situation escalated further when the Bishnoi gang, believed to have links with Indian intelligence, claimed responsibility for the May 14, 2025, killing of a Sikh businessman in Mississauga—an act the WSO says reinforces concerns about India’s transnational repression.

Danish Singh drew comparisons to how Canada would treat other states suspected of such actions: “We would never welcome leaders from Russia, China, or Iran under such circumstances. Yet India has done far more on Canadian soil in terms of foreign interference and transnational repression, including orchestrating murders, and is being rewarded with a red carpet welcome.”

The timing of the invitation has further angered the Sikh community. June 6 marks the anniversary of the 1984 Indian Army attack on Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar, a deeply traumatic event in Sikh history. Additionally, the G7 Summit will take place just days before the second anniversary of Nijjar’s assassination on June 18.

Carney’s decision to extend the invitation indicates a broader strategic recalibration. With Canada increasingly aligning its economic and security interests in the Indo-Pacific, the government appears keen to normalize relations with India—a regional power which the West sees as a potential counterweight to China.

However, the move risks sidelining accountability and human rights, critics warn.

“We hope the large number of Sikh MPs in Parliament will take a stand and make clear that our community will not be treated as expendable,” said Singh.

The WSO’s statement is the latest in a series of critical reactions from Sikh organizations worldwide, who view Canada’s shift as undermining justice for Hardeep Singh Nijjar and ignoring the lived fears of Sikh Canadians amid rising reports of surveillance and intimidation.

⊕ Below is a PDF copy of the official statement issued by the WSO:-