June 16, 2025
Parteek Singh Mahal
As world leaders gather for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, protests have erupted across Canada, with a significant demonstration in Calgary on Sunday seeing hundreds gather to voice their concerns, including Sikh organizations protesting the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi is scheduled to arrive in Calgary in the afternoon for G7 meetings.
An estimated 500 people converged on Calgary’s Municipal Plaza on Sunday, the first day of the three-day G7 summit. Demonstrators chanted slogans, marched, and displayed signs and flags to highlight issues they believe global leaders should address during their meetings. These concerns included Canadian sovereignty, water security, and Indigenous rights, alongside support for people affected by conflicts in Kashmir, Ethiopia, Palestine, and Ukraine.
Calgary Police released a statement Sunday afternoon confirming multiple protests in downtown Calgary. The statement noted that “the majority were peaceful,” but some demonstrators “did not adhere to traffic safety laws and caused disruptions to emergency services.”
Among the protesting groups were Sikh organizations, who specifically demonstrated against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their opposition stems from the invitation extended to Modi by Prime Minister Mark Carney to attend the G7 summit.
Relations between Canada and India have been strained since former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the RCMP alleged the involvement of Indian agents in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was fatally shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey.
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