As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Canada for the G7 summit, Sikh protestors in Calgary are preparing to escalate their demonstrations, voicing ongoing concerns about human rights issues and the treatment of Sikhs in India. The protests, which have been building momentum over recent months, are expected to coincide with Modi’s international engagements, drawing global attention to domestic grievances from Canada’s Sikh diaspora.
Organized by various Sikh advocacy groups across Alberta, the demonstrations aim to highlight allegations of repression, political discrimination, and the Indian government’s handling of cases involving Sikh political activists. The protestors have planned a series of rallies and peaceful marches throughout the week, with the largest gathering scheduled to take place in downtown Calgary, aligning with Modi’s presence on Canadian soil.
Growing Tensions Between Sikh Diaspora and Indian Government
Tensions have flared between the Indian government and segments of the global Sikh community since the 2020-2021 farmers’ protests and the subsequent handling of Sikh dissenters. These issues have been particularly resonant among Sikh Canadians, who make up one of the largest Sikh populations outside India. Many within the community view Modi’s government as increasingly authoritarian, accusing it of suppressing minority voices and labeling political opposition as extremism.
Protest organizers argue that the international stage presented by the G7 summit is the ideal platform to bring awareness to what they describe as systemic injustices in India.
> “We are not protesting India — we are protesting the actions of a government that has consistently undermined Sikh rights,” said one Calgary-based activist. “Modi cannot come to the West and pose as a democratic leader while silencing Sikhs at home.”
Canada’s Delicate Diplomatic Balancing Act
The continued protests place Canadian officials in a delicate diplomatic position. Canada, a G7 member and strong proponent of human rights, also maintains important economic and strategic ties with India. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has previously acknowledged the concerns of Canada’s Sikh community, which drew criticism from Indian officials accusing Canada of tolerating separatist rhetoric.
This renewed wave of protests adds pressure on the Canadian government to carefully navigate public sentiment at home while hosting a prominent and controversial international leader.
Security Measures Increased Ahead of Demonstrations
In anticipation of the protests, local law enforcement agencies in Calgary have ramped up security around major venues and event locations tied to the G7 summit. Police have emphasized that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, but added that any unlawful activity would be swiftly addressed.
Organizers have stated their intent to keep demonstrations non-violent, focusing instead on raising awareness through speeches, signage, and cultural expression. Community leaders, politicians, and human rights organizations are expected to attend or comment in support of the Sikh protesters’ right to voice their concerns.
Modi’s G7 Visit Under Global Scrutiny
Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the G7 summit is part of a broader push to bolster India’s international influence, especially in the face of global geopolitical shifts. However, his visit is also being closely watched by human rights advocates, with criticism mounting over democratic backsliding in India and alleged crackdowns on press freedom and minority groups.
With large-scale Sikh protests now a fixture during Modi’s international visits, this week’s demonstrations in Calgary could further shape international perceptions of his leadership — and spotlight the unresolved tensions between India and its diaspora communities.
Canadianpress.com
