The escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada will have serious consequences for the Sikh community not only in Canada but also in the US and other countries around the world. Satnam Singh ChahalFounder and Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA).
“Constructive dialogue between India and Canada is the urgent need to protect the rights and well-being of the Sikh community in both countries and globally,” Chahal, who lives in Northern California, told the Times of India, speaking as representative of NAPA. , a global non-partisan and non-sectarian organization, founded in 2011, dedicated to serving and empowering the Indian diaspora worldwide.
Chahal believes that the stark differences between India and Canada, which started with the assassination, have emerged Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada; have highlighted the existing challenges facing the EU Sikh diaspora community in Western countries regarding issues of identity, security and political representation. “We are deeply concerned about the potential impact of the strained diplomatic ties between India and Canada on the Sikh diaspora, which has long been a bridge between vibrant cultures,” said Chahal, a nominated commissioner of California’s Santa Clara Province.
Born and raised in Punjab, Chahal, who immigrated to the US with his family in 1997, believes the growing animosity between India and Canada is hitting the Sikh community hard in both Canada and the US. “Worldwide, the Sikhs are known for our… philanthropic activities and community service wherever we are located. But now the current bitter situation has created a deep rift even within some of our gurdwaras. The basis of our religion is the concept of ‘sewa’ and we are a religious group that always helps others in service to the larger community,” he said. But Chahal notes that recent tensions, highlighted by the feud between the Indian and Canadian governments, have led to a changing perception of the Sikh community in North America.
Nijjar’s murder and the subsequent standoff between India and Canada have exacerbated the existing divide within the Sikh diaspora, Chahal believes. “Some community members view the Canadian government’s position as a legitimate defense of human rights, while others see it as an affront to Indian sovereignty. This polarization can create divisions within families and social circles, leading to heated arguments and alienation,” he said.
He added that there had been a lack of outreach to the Sikh community in the US from the Indian government in recent months. “All of these factors have hit the American Sikh community hard with increasing incidents discrimination and racism In schools, colleges and workplaces, younger community members wearing turbans and having beards are reported,” Chahal said.
He added that many Sikh families in North America face complex relationships with non-Sikh neighbors and friends. “Misunderstandings about the community’s political preferences can lead to stigmatization or social isolation, especially if they are perceived to support militant factions. Within the diaspora, there can be significant pressure to take sides in the political narrative. Activists may urge solidarity with Nijjar’s cause, while others may urge caution in maintaining good relations with India, especially for those with family ties back home. Furthermore, social media has amplified voices within the community, creating echo chambers where certain narratives dominate,” Chahal said.
He believes that Sikhs in America and Canada depend on the support of the US, Canadian and Indian governments to overcome such challenges and adds that many Sikhs in Canada are also concerned about their safety and the possibility of backlash as tensions between the countries rise. India and Canada. “NAPA calls on both the Indian and Canadian governments to ensure the protection of all communities, especially minorities. Our organization also urges community members to actively participate in the political process, advocate for their rights and ensure their voices are heard in discussions that impact their future,” Chahal added to.