California [US], June 13 (ANI): As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to attend the G7 Summit in Canada, Sukhi Chahal, Founder and CEO of The Khalsa Today, has expressed optimism that this visit could mark a turning point in strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada.
Speaking in an in-depth conversation, Chahal noted that while PM Modi has attended the G7 Summit before, the current visit carries new significance. “This time, the stakes are different—this visit sends a strong message of reconciliation and cooperation,” he said. Chahal emphasized that improved bilateral ties would not only benefit both governments but also the large Indian diaspora in Canada.
India-Canada relations have faced turbulence in recent years, particularly over disagreements on the Khalistan issue and Canada’s perceived leniency toward separatist elements. However, Chahal believes dialogue between the two countries’ leaders can help bridge these gaps.
“Conversations between Prime Minister Modi and his Canadian counterpart will signal maturity and statesmanship. In the long term, this will benefit the Indian diaspora,” Chahal said.
Addressing the anticipated protests by some Sikh groups in Canada during Modi’s visit, Chahal was forthright: “Some people are running a shop. Whether Modi ji is the Prime Minister or not, their agenda won’t change.” He criticized fringe Khalistani activists for misrepresenting the Sikh community and hijacking its global narrative.
“These protestors can’t even gather a thousand people without bussing them in from New York or California,” he said, contrasting this with peaceful gatherings like the Baisakhi celebrations in Surrey, which draw hundreds of thousands from the Punjabi diaspora.
Chahal also raised concerns about the appearance of Pakistani flags at some of these protests, suggesting these acts reveal misplaced loyalties. “After Operation Sindoor, some people have shown more openly where they stand. That’s alarming,” he said.
He pointed to radical figures like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, accusing him of inciting Indian soldiers to defect and offering rewards for espionage. “This is beyond free speech—it’s incitement and it endangers national security,” Chahal warned.
Turning to domestic issues within Canada, Chahal highlighted a troubling rise in drug trafficking cases involving Punjabi youth. He referenced a recent $50 million drug bust in Ontario’s Peel Region, where six of the nine arrested were of Punjabi descent.
“It’s shameful,” said Chahal. “Punjabis were part of the Ghadar movement. The first Indian-American Congressman was Dalip Singh Saund. And now our names are appearing in drug cases?”
He warned of links between these cases and transnational crime networks, including the Mexican mafia and the global fentanyl trade. “Fentanyl is coming from China via India and entering Canada through Vancouver. The FBI is already investigating,” he said.
Chahal questioned the silence of Khalistani activists on such issues. “They hold press conferences to criticize Modi ji but remain quiet on criminals harming our youth. That shows their real agenda,” he added.
Despite these concerns, Chahal expressed confidence in a positive future for India-Canada relations. He highlighted the potential for collaboration in sectors like AI, energy security, and rare earth minerals.
Praising Canadian statesman and economist Mark Carney, seen as a potential future Prime Minister, Chahal said, “Carney understands economics and diplomacy. His invitation to PM Modi is a visionary step.”
He acknowledged the past missteps of some Canadian politicians who “were hijacked by radicals” but noted a growing realization that deteriorating ties with India was a costly mistake. “The new leadership deserves a chance,” he stated.
Chahal also drew attention to visa restrictions reportedly affecting Canadian citizens of Indian origin, especially those with past government affiliations. He urged the Indian government to reconsider, warning of potential exploitation by hostile agencies.
“I urge Prime Minister Modi to address this. Mistakes were made by the previous Canadian government, but we now have an opportunity to move forward,” he said.
As Modi’s G7 visit nears, Chahal called on all stakeholders to think long-term. “This is not just about politics—this is about economic growth, peace, and the welfare of our communities,” he emphasized.
Chahal concluded with a strong message to the fringe elements attempting to derail bilateral ties: “These people are neither Canadian nor American in spirit. Their only interest is chaos. And they are damaging the very community they claim to represent.”
With Prime Minister Modi’s G7 visit seen as a potential reset in India-Canada ties, voices like Sukhi Chahal’s reflect a growing hope that both nations can leave past divisions behind and build a future of shared prosperity and mutual respect. (ANI)
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