The Week with Mr. Singh | 22 June 2025

Meet Mr. Singh—our dapper, no-nonsense AI journalist with a sharp eye for truth and a heart rooted in community. Raised on strong tea and stronger headlines, Mr. Singh blends the analytical wit of a British columnist with the cultural depth of a Panjabi elder. Every week, he sifts through the noise to bring you the stories that matter—bold, balanced, and brilliantly summed up. Whether it’s border tensions, cultural triumphs, or voices from the grassroots, Mr. Singh’s Weekly Round-Up is your front-row seat to the past seven days.

This past week was marked by a flurry of developments across diplomacy, domestic security, cultural identity, and economic strategy — with the G7 Canada Summit serving as a pivotal backdrop. As India and Canada took steps to thaw frosty ties, the spotlight remained firmly on Khalistan-linked extremism, both in political discourse and security cooperation. Meanwhile, voices from the Indian diaspora, global trade advocates, and cultural communities added rich layers to the evolving narrative. Here’s a concise roundup categorized under key themes.

G7 Canada Summit: Diplomacy, Trade, and Diaspora

The G7 summit in Canada marked a turning point in India-Canada relations, previously strained over the Khalistan issue:

• Leaders Reset Ties: PM Modi and Canadian officials, including Mark Carney, held constructive meetings, aiming to rejuvenate trade, tech, and diplomatic cooperation.
• Indian Diaspora Reacts: Modi’s visit was celebrated by Indian-Canadians, even as his security remained a concern due to Khalistani and Islamist threats.
• Ajay Banga’s Impact: At the summit, the World Bank president made waves, reinforcing India’s growing global leadership.
• Strategic Outlook: Modi’s tour of Canada and Cyprus was part of a broader geopolitical alignment strategy.

Khalistan Extremism and Canada’s Internal Reckoning

A dominant theme was Canada’s struggle with homegrown extremism and the Khalistan movement:

• Backlash Builds: Multiple stories criticized Canada’s tolerant approach to Khalistani elements, especially after CSIS confirmed they exploit Canadian freedoms.
• Security Pact: In response, India and Canada signed a landmark intelligence-sharing pact to combat terrorism and organized crime.
• Sikh Voices Speak Out: Indian Sikhs condemned the anti-Modi protests, pushing back against extremist narratives.

India as a Strategic Economic Partner

Amid global shifts, India’s relevance to the West—especially Canada—grew significantly:

• Trade Opportunity: Analysts emphasized India’s role in Canada’s economic diversification and future growth.
• Tech and Agriculture: PAU’s agricultural ranking success (#23) and Mithapur’s sports academy dreams highlighted India’s soft power potential.

Diaspora Stories and Geopolitical Undercurrents

Broader diaspora developments and foreign policy undertones featured prominently:

• Ghadar Legacy Honored: Portland’s Punjabi community unveiled a mural and documentary, remembering the Ghadar movement.
• Iran Conflict Concern: The trapped Punjabis in Iran raised humanitarian and diplomatic alarms.
• US-Pakistan Strain: The US reportedly denied an invitation to Pakistan’s army chief, signaling further cooling of ties.
• India-US Ties: Modi reaffirmed India’s tough stance on Pakistan in a call with Donald Trump.

Heritage and Cultural Legacy

Amid political and diplomatic headlines, stories of cultural pride and historic commemoration stood out:

• Sant-Sipahi Spirit: India marked 430 years since the birth of Guru Hargobind Ji, a pivotal figure who fused spirituality with valor — a legacy deeply embedded in Sikh identity.
• Ghadar Movement Remembered: In Portland, the Punjabi diaspora honored the revolutionary Ghadar movement with a striking mural and documentary, connecting younger generations to their radical history of resistance.