Khalistanis stage aggressive anti-Modi ‘ambush’ as Canada signals shift on separatist pressure

Khalistani separatists attempted to hijack the narrative during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Canada for the G7 Summit, staging what they called an “ambush” protest in Alberta with violent slogans, anti-India rhetoric, and provocative acts.

However, observers note a subtle but significant shift in Canada’s stance toward separatist groups, suggesting growing political will to recalibrate ties with India.

As PM Modi arrived in Canada for the second leg of his four-day, three-nation tour — covering Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia — groups of Khalistani extremists gathered in Kananaskis, Alberta, shouting incendiary slogans, stomping on the Indian national flag, and releasing a new anti-Modi song that, according to Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman, pushed the boundaries of what is legally acceptable in Canada.

Bordman, who closely covered the protests, described chaotic scenes as multiple microphones blared competing chants, with protesters even calling for the “Balkanisation of India.” Some demonstrators called on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to “kill Modi politics” and urged US President Donald Trump to “kill India politics” — language that sparked outrage both in India and among many in the Sikh diaspora.

Footage of the protests went viral, drawing widespread criticism, including sharp condemnation from Takht Sri Patna Sahib in India. Its spokesperson, Sudeep Singh, deplored the involvement of children in the demonstrations, calling it "highly condemnable."

Adding to the controversy, independent Canadian journalist Mocha Bezirgan — who was previously assaulted and threatened by pro-Khalistan activists while reporting on their rallies — revealed that banned group Sikhs for Justice was behind calls to end Modi’s politics.

Yet even amid these tensions, signs of a changing Canadian approach are emerging. Bordman praised PM Carney’s decision to invite PM Modi to the 51st G7 Summit, calling it a “hard shift” away from previous permissive attitudes toward separatists.

“The Khalistani menace seems to be losing steam as economic realities dominate Canada-India relations,” Bordman told ANI. “Canada has everything India needs, and India offers a massive consumer base. It’s a far better trade partner than a Pakistani-backed fringe group running drug networks.”

India has long expressed frustration over Ottawa’s perceived tolerance of Khalistani activities, blaming Canada’s leniency for strained bilateral relations. But with Carney at the helm, some believe Canada may finally be signaling a tougher stance on extremist elements that have long complicated ties between the two democracies.