Washington, D.C. [US], June 15 (ANI): Jasdip Singh Jesse, Founder and Chairman of Sikhs of America, strongly condemned Khalistani extremism and expressed hope for improved India-Canada relations under new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Speaking from Washington, D.C., Jesse described Carney’s leadership as a welcome change, suggesting that Khalistani influence, which he says was prevalent under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, will significantly decline.
“With PM Mark Carney becoming the Prime Minister, I think the Khalistani support and influence that we saw in the past—I don’t see it happening anymore,” Jesse said in an interview with ANI. “Justin Trudeau was a very weak Prime Minister, just like his father. They had an agenda against India, and that era is gone.”
Jesse emphasized that Khalistani elements represent only a small fraction of the Sikh population, most of whom, he said, deeply love India and Punjab. “The majority of Sikhs living outside India love India and want Punjab to grow. I don’t even consider Khalistanis to be Sikhs—they don’t follow Sikh principles.”
He welcomed the decision by Prime Minister Carney to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 Summit, calling it a “very good decision” and a positive reset in India-Canada relations.
“India is a very strong nation. Good sense prevailed, and I commend Prime Minister Carney for inviting PM Modi. It marks a new beginning for the relationship between India and Canada,” Jesse said.
Condemns Extremism, Warns of Human Trafficking Networks
Jesse also addressed concerns about Khalistani extremism in the United States, alleging that rogue elements have been involved in illegal activities, including human trafficking and exploiting vulnerable youth through false promises of political asylum.
“These rogue elements operating under the name of the Khalistan movement have been engaged in illegal trade. We’ve seen them involved in human trafficking—manipulating youth who entered foreign countries through the illegal ‘dunki’ route,” he stated. “These youths were then used in referendums by so-called Khalistani leaders like Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, with false assurances of political asylum.”
Jesse added that with U.S. President Donald Trump returning to office, investigations into these false immigration and trafficking cases have begun. “This will also impact Canadian immigration, where similar tactics were being used to support the Khalistani agenda,” he said.
Calls for Unity Among Indian Diaspora
Jesse urged the Indian diaspora to reject divisive tactics and stay united, regardless of religious background. “Sikhs have always stood with India. Hindus are our brothers. We respect all religions,” he said. “We must remain united—Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians—Indians abroad must not fall victim to these divisive elements.”
He condemned acts of vandalism and violence, particularly against places of worship. “There’s nothing wrong with peaceful protest, but attacking a place of worship is against Sikh principles. That’s why I don’t call these Khalistanis Sikhs,” he stated.
PM Modi to Attend G7 Summit in Canada
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially visit Canada to participate in the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, scheduled for June 16–17. Jesse hailed the visit as a diplomatic milestone and a chance to reset bilateral ties.
“To ignore India, the fourth-largest economy in the world, was a mistake. A good sense has prevailed,” he said. “PM Modi graciously accepted the invitation, and I believe this marks a new beginning in India-Canada relations.”
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