Recent reports indicate that anti-India protests in Canada, some specifically targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are being fueled by a nexus of factors, including the involvement of the ISI-backed Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and other extremist groups. These groups are allegedly using funds generated from drug trafficking to finance their activities, which include organizing protests, promoting separatist referendums, and procuring weapons.
Project Pelican, a major investigation by Peel Regional Police in Canada, has shed light on this concerning trend. The operation dismantled a large narco-terror network with suspected links to Khalistan sympathizers. This investigation led to the seizure of 479 kg of cocaine, estimated to be worth $47.9 million, marking the largest drug bust in the region's history. Nine individuals, including seven of Indian origin residing in Canada, have been arrested in connection with the network. The investigation revealed that the network exploited commercial trucking routes between the U.S. and Canada, maintaining ties with Mexican cartels and U.S.-based distributors.
Intelligence sources suggest that the drug money was being funneled into anti-India activities, including funding protests and referendums related to the Khalistan movement. These sources also pointed to a larger ISI-backed plan where Khalistani groups in Canada are being used to traffic high-value Mexican cocaine, with the ISI also allegedly involved in pushing Afghan-grown heroin.
Several incidents demonstrate the activities of these groups. For instance, in October 2024, SFJ supporters protested against Member of Parliament Chandra Arya during an event in Canada, raising anti-India slogans. SFJ has also announced plans for protests outside Hindu temples in Canada.
The SFJ, a banned organization in India, has been at the forefront of organizing protests during PM Modi's visits to Canada. For the upcoming G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17, 2025, the SFJ has released videos threatening to "ambush Modi politics from landing to take-off". Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel of SFJ, has accused PM Modi of exporting "transnational terrorism from Pakistan to Canada." The Sikh Federation Canada has also condemned Modi's invitation to the G7 summit and called for sanctions on Indian officials.
These groups aim to pressure G7 nations to hold PM Modi accountable for the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistan advocate, as well as alleged "murder-for-hire" plots targeting referendum organizers.
The Canadian government has yet to respond to the protest calls or the demand to revoke Modi's G7 invitation. However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has previously stated that "every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely" after a violent demonstration at a Hindu temple in Brampton in November 2024.
The discovery of the narco-terror network and the planned protests raise concerns about the activities of extremist groups in Canada and their potential impact on Indo-Canadian relations. The Canadian authorities are under pressure to address these issues and ensure the safety and security of all communities.
