CALGARY, Canada (Diya TV) — Pro-Khalistan protesters attempted to disrupt Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Canada for the G7 Summit. As Modi landed in Alberta, rhetoric escalated. Protesters gathered in Calgary and Kananaskis, waving flags, shouting slogans, and tearing the Indian national flag.
Modi arrived in Canada as part of his ongoing three-nation tour, which also includes Cyprus and Croatia. While in Canada, he will meet Prime Minister Mark Carney and attend key sessions of the G7 Summit.
Meanwhile, protests erupted across Alberta. Demonstrators blared aggressive songs and tore Indian flags. Additionally, three microphones competed for attention, creating confusion and chaos.
Protesters shouted extreme slogans like “Kill Modi politics” and “Kill India politics.” Though vague, experts believe the language may hide dangerous intent. For instance, adding the word “politics” seems like an attempt to dodge legal consequences.
At the same time, Canadian journalist Mocha Bezirgan reported that the banned group Sikhs for Justice organized the protests. Earlier this month, he was allegedly assaulted by Khalistani activists in Vancouver while covering their rally.
In response to the demonstrations, many Indian and Sikh leaders expressed concern. For example, Sudeep Singh from Takht Sri Patna Sahib condemned the involvement of children in the rallies. He called it both “disturbing and irresponsible.”
Likewise, Jasdip Singh Jesse, founder of Sikhs of America, said the protests do not represent the broader Sikh community. In his view, PM Modi’s visit is a step toward peace and stronger diplomatic ties. He praised Carney’s leadership for sending a clear signal against extremism.
Furthermore, Canada-based journalist Harpreet Singh stated the summit is a chance to repair India-Canada relations. He blamed earlier tensions on former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s soft stance on separatists.
As protests intensified, Canadian authorities increased security measures. In fact, law enforcement launched what they called the largest domestic security operation in recent history. Protest zones were established in both Calgary and Banff to control crowds and protect public spaces.
On Sunday, nearly 500 demonstrators gathered at Calgary’s Municipal Plaza. The group included Khalistani supporters, as well as people from Palestinian, Ukrainian, Kashmiri, and Indigenous communities. Although many protested peacefully, some blocked roads and disrupted emergency services.
Meanwhile, Daniel Bordman praised Carney’s bold invitation to Modi. He said it showed that Canada is finally prioritizing economic partnerships over separatist pressures. “Carney is an economist,” Bordman said. “There’s more value in trade with India than in backing fringe elements.”
Indeed, India has long criticized Canada for tolerating pro-Khalistan groups. Over the past year, the two countries saw a sharp decline in diplomatic ties. Many Indian officials blamed Ottawa’s inaction against extremists.
Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal also criticized the slogans heard at the protest. He said, “You can’t ‘kill Modi politics’ in Canada. It’s an absurd phrase. It’s really a disguised threat.”
As the G7 Summit continues through Tuesday, the world watches closely. Leaders from the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the European Union are in attendance. Special invitees include Prime Minister Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Even though the summit aims to discuss global cooperation, the protests have shifted some attention toward domestic extremism in Canada. For many, the events underscore the challenge of balancing free speech with national security.
Looking ahead, India and Canada must decide how to move forward. Both sides face pressure to rebuild trust. Above all, this summit may mark the beginning of a new diplomatic chapter—one grounded in mutual respect and shared goals.
