New Democrats oppose Mark Carney’s decision to invite Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.

This invitation is profoundly hurtful to the Sikh community in Canada and to all Canadians who believe in justice, accountability, and human rights. It comes at a time when serious allegations remain unresolved regarding the Indian government’s involvement in the assassination of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Despite RCMP-confirmed evidence of Indian agents operating criminally on Canadian soil, India has refused to cooperate with Canadian authorities or take responsibility for this extrajudicial violence. Extending a diplomatic welcome to Prime Minister Modi undermines our efforts to hold foreign powers accountable for interference and political violence in Canada.

We also recognize the trauma and deep significance of the June 6th announcement date, which coincides with the anniversary of the 1984 assault on the Golden Temple—a dark chapter in Sikh history—and the proximity to the second anniversary of Nijjar’s assassination on June 18th.

Moreover, Canadians who have expressed their concerns about the BJP government’s record of human rights violations in India live in fear of threat of reprisal against themselves and their families.

Carney’s invitation to Modi sends: that Canada is willing to overlook human rights abuses, political intimidation, and violence in the name of diplomatic convenience.

New Democrats call on Mark Carney and the Liberals to:

• Immediately rescind the invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the G7 Summit;
• Reaffirm Canada’s commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law;
• Publicly denounce all forms of foreign interference and political violence on Canadian soil.

Canada must stand in solidarity with those who have been threatened and harmed, not with those who perpetrate political repression and human rights violations.

Stand with New Democrats and demand action.