India-Canada ties will improve as Carney invited PM Modi to G7 Summit: Canadian journalist
Vancouver [Canada], June 8 (ANI): Canadian investigative journalist Mocha Bezirgan who documents Khalistani demonstrations across Canada, US, Britain and New Zealand on Sunday said that those linked to the separatist movement are 'putting a lot of pressure' on the new Prime Minister Mark Carney to resincd his invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming G7 Summit.
Despite ongoing tension between the two countries on the issue of extremism, Bezirgan said he expects warmer ties henceforth as Carney has invited Prime Minister Modi for the G7 Summit.
'Well, I feel it [the relations between both the countries] will improve. I mean, it's a big step that Prime Minister Carney invited Prime Minister Modi to Canada to G7. And we'll see how that goes, because there's lots of pressure building on Prime Minister Carney right now from Khalistani elements, from World Sikh Organization, that he should cancel the invitation,' he said in a conversation over phone with ANI.
Bezirgan said that this is an interesting time because the dates of G7 almost coincide with Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, the Golden Temple incident, and Air India bombings.
'It's a big step that PM Carney invited PM Modi to Canada to attend G7 Summit and we'll see how that goes because there's lots of pressure building on PM Carney right now from Khalistani elements and from World Sikh Organization that he should cancel the invitation. Even if he doesn't cancel the invitation, we will see how the meeting actually goes. We need to wait and see, but one thing is certain, Khalistani elements will be protesting and it's going to be a very interesting time in Alberta where the G7 is taking place...This is going to be where the whole world will focus because the date of the G7 Summit coincides with Hardeep Singh Nijjar's assassination date by one day. I don't think there has ever been a time this risky...'
The Canadian journalist alleged that Khalistani extremist movement is headed by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). 'They are the ones organising it, and most of the time, it's the same people attending these protests, whether it be in Ontario, British Columbia, US, UK, New Zealand. They mobilise people to come from local Gurudwaras to create a little bit of crowd, but there are bigger political organizations like the World Sikh Organization which is based in Canada and they are they have a troubled history and they do the political cover in Canada. Because of the tensions between Canada and India, it's a very highly political subject, but I feel like we are disregarding what's happening underground.'
'What these people are saying, how they are exercising their free speech while they are celebrating the assassins of Indira Gandhi and saying that they are going to ambush and kill Indian Prime Minister Modi's politics at the G7. I asked them are you going to kill his politics the same way you killed Indira Gandhi's politics? Because they refer to the assassins as their forefathers. They say we are the descendants of the killers of Indira Gandhi, and they are glorifying these acts of violence...'Bezirgan said.
Earlier today the Canadian journalist alleged he was assaulted by a group of Khalistani supporters at a rally in Vancouver.
Detailing the incident, Bezirgan said, '...One individual came up to me and started asking me questions. He was very close to my face... Then, all of a sudden, I had 2-3 people surrounding me with the same physical closeness, like I had nowhere to go. I was recording secretly from my main camera because I felt that something physical was about to happen. I started recording from my phone as well. As soon as I started recording, they turned their faces away, but this one individual kept walking towards me, and then eventually he grabbed my phone out of my hand for a moment. It stopped my recording, and when I turned back on, the police were engaging with him and telling him to stop his harassing behaviour...I have filed police reports about this specific individual before for his harassment, and him being allowed to walk free is a big disappointment. I think he should be deported back to the UK...I have more footage I'm about to upload on my channel. He continued following me throughout the parade...He followed me to the train station, and that's how I departed from the area...'
'It just happened two hours ago and I am still shaking. I was surrounded by multiple Khalistanis who acted like thugs. They surrounded me, threatened me, and got physical with me, and they grabbed my phone out of my hand,' he said.
'This was done by an individual who has been harassing me for a long time online using dehumanising language against me. I have been covering Khalistan protests in Canada, UK, US, New Zealand...My only goal is to do independent journalism and record and report what's going on and because I'm editorially independent, this frustrates some people. They want to influence me, they want to buy me. He is not even a Canadian citizen. He is from the UK. I was just there reporting on the event. Khalistanis gathered to honour their so-called martyrs, including the assassins of Indira Gandhi...' the Canadian journalist said.
However, Bezirgan said despite what has happened with him, he is optimistic about the security that will be in place for G7 Summit.
'I feel that Canadian police institutions will take this event very seriously because after all, it's about Canada's reputation,' he said.
Bezirgan said that it is not just about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but leaders from all over the world. He added that all police forces are mobilized for the events and trainings are on.
'And we already have the military there at the events. We have military helicopters flying all over the place. It's a major mobilization of police resources. And this is not just about Modi, but we have many world leaders attending this event. So I feel like security will be top notch. Calgary police have been organizing convoy training for their officers throughout the weeks, local police are prepared. Lots of training going on. I feel that they will not let anyone get harmed,' he said.
Bezirgan said that he hoped that the government upholds the law.
'Unfortunately, I guess I am too small for Carney government to care. And that's just the way it goes. You know, if I was maybe a mainstream media reporter, then many organizations could rally to my support and politicians may condemn the actions of this individual. But because I am independent, I am not controlled. I have my own editorial independence. Then, you know, they don't want to rally behind someone who also exposes liberal corruption, exposes conservative corruption. It's, I guess I'm too unpredictable. I guess I'm a wild card. But I don't expect any special treatment, I just expect the law to be upheld,' he said.
Earlier in the day he had posted on his social media platform X on how he was physically assaulted and threatened by a group of Khalistani supporters at the Vancouver rally.
https://x.com/BezirganMocha/status/1931540163060203741
'I've been surrounded by a group of Khalistanis who grabbed my phone out of my hand and threatened me. Naturally I'm a bit shaken, but not deterred. Footage coming,' he said in a post on X. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Province
20 minutes ago
- The Province
How a multibillion dollar defence bank could help Canada increase its military spending
How Canada Wins: 'We have to use our capital markets of allied nations for overwhelming force against our foes,' says defence bank president A Canadian Armed Forces member sends a radio message during a live fire exercise with members of enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland in Bemowo Piskie, Poland on Nov. 7, 2023. Photo by Corporal Lynette Ai Dang/DND A new multilateral defence bank aims to help Canada and its allies build their militaries to meet looming threats in an increasingly hostile world while also giving Canadian industry a leg up when it comes to producing weaponry and military kit to tackle those threats head on. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors And its Canadian president is hoping it will have a major presence in Toronto. Announced this past spring, the new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank could solve financial problems for countries, including Canada, that are under pressure to increase military spending beyond two per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP). Some estimates peg the more likely target as five per cent of GDP as Russia and China grow increasingly belligerent on the world stage. 'We have to use our capital markets of allied nations for overwhelming force against our foes,' Kevin D. Reed, the new bank's president and chief operating officer, said in a recent interview. The theory is the bank would allow Canada and other countries to re-arm, said Reed, who has helped start nine companies including Equity Transfer & Trust. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Hopefully that acts as a form of deterrent against big conflicts.' The United Kingdom 'has emerged as the lead candidate to take this on,' according to Reed. 'That being said, we've … advocated to our Canadian government that there's a window here for Canada to take a co-leadership role with the U.K.' Reed would like to see a branch of the bank located in Toronto. If Canada chose to be the bank's host nation, or to co-host with London, 'you're probably looking at 2,500-3,500' banking jobs in Toronto, he said. The bank would be owned by member nations, including NATO and Indo-Pacific countries. 'They would capitalize the bank, we would get a triple-A rating, and we would take it to the bond market to raise money,' Reed said. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'If we have all 40 nations in, we would expect about $60 billion of equity into the bank over time, and then subject to the bond markets we would seek to raise $100 billion at first, taking that up to about $400-500 billion over time.' For countries that don't have a triple-A credit rating, it would mean a lower cost to capital, he said. It would also allow nations in immediate need of more defence dollars to tap the bank for money, rather than waiting for annual budget cycles. 'The real driver in this is that it would provide credit guarantees to commercial banks to lend into the defence sector,' Reed said. 'Most commercial banks … unless you're a big prime (like Boeing), if you're a number two or three or four in the supply chain, you're almost unbankable, historically, because of ESG (an investing principle that prioritizes environmental and social issues, as well as corporate governance) and just a view of defence.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Defence, Security and Resilience Bank would be similar to Export Development Canada, a Crown corporation that provides financial and risk management services to Canadian exporters and investors, 'but way bigger,' Reed said. It would offer large banks such as RBC and BMO credit guarantees 'that would loosen up capital so they could offer lines of credit, trade finance, you name it, but we can grow the industrial base a lot faster,' Reed said. That would, in turn, speed up military procurement, he said. 'It takes nine years to get a jet or seven years to get a shoulder-fired rocket launcher,' Reed said. 'It's because the industrial base just isn't big enough. It's been constrained. So, this would push liquidity into the commercial banks.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Sovereign countries could also 'enhance procurement' by borrowing from the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank on the promise that they 'have to execute within two years,' Reed said. 'We want to foster that rapid-fire procurement that we know has been a problem for all member nations.' Right now, it takes 16 years for startups to go from selling the Department of National Defence on their products to procurement, he said. 'Companies just can't live in that — they call that the Valley of Death,' Reed said. 'That is a problem. If you want to invent a new bullet … in your garage, you're going to wait a long time.' Rob Murray, NATO's inaugural head of innovation and a former U.K. army officer, started writing the blueprint for the bank about five years ago. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But, at the time, interest rates were flat, Russia hadn't launched its full-scale war in Ukraine, and U.S. President Donald Trump was not in power. You do not attract first rate people with third rate infrastructure. And right now, you go to any garrison, any base, any wing across Canada and the infrastructure is crumbling When the Ukraine war began, interest rates started climbing and people started recognizing 'threat levels are changing around the world,' Reed said. Then Trump came to power in his second term and started 'forcing the hand of many NATO nations' to increase their defence spending, Reed said. Murray published his blueprint last December. 'On the back of that he was invited down to brief the president elect down at Mar-a-Lago,' Reed said, 'and Rob's world just started to expand rapidly with proposed member nations seeking him out, asking how would this work? How can we get involved?' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Murray asked Reed to step in as the bank's president in early February 'to help stitch together the coalition of governments' needed to bring the idea to fruition. 'Every European nation has been briefed,' Reed said. 'And we did the briefing for Canada right after the election' with senior people in Prime Minister Mark Carney's office, the Privy Council Office, and departments including National Defence, Finance, Global Affairs and Treasury Board. Reed also briefed officials in Singapore last week and plans to do the same in Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand this week. 'We're trying to drive this around a consensus of a dozen anchor nations,' he said. NATO figures from last June suggest Canada spent just 1.37 per cent of its GDP on defence in 2024. The Liberals have said they expect it to reach two per cent by 2030 'at the latest.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But that's not fast enough for Trump, who has complained repeatedly about Canada piggybacking on the U.S. for military protection. 'While I don't like what he's saying, I see this as an opportunity to get ourselves going,' Reed said. 'We have not done our job in a long time. We've not fulfilled our commitments, and this a kick in the pants to say who are we, and what do we stand for?' Later this month, Reed expects NATO countries to accept a new spending minimum of 3.5 per cent of GDP for defence and 1.5 per cent for border security. 'To go from our base today … it's another $100-110 billion a year to ramp up to that,' he said of Canada. 'And that's not in future dollars. That's in last year's dollars. So, any available mechanism that can help grow the industrial base and get them towards those NATO soon-to-be targets is going to be well received.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Founding members of the bank will start meeting in the fall to hammer out details. Reed anticipates standing up the bank next year. 'I like the idea of another mechanism, and a very powerful and large one, and I think a very influential one, that can help us do more in the defence and security domain in Western democracies,' said retired general Rick Hillier, Canada's former top soldier, who has joined the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank's board of directors. Canada's former top soldier, general Rick Hillier, when he was still in uniform. Photo by SHAH MARAI / AFP/Getty Images He predicts Canada is going to need 'a revolution in defence and security procurement' to solve the Canadian Forces' equipment woes. More money could accelerate the acquisition of new aircraft, warships and submarines, he said. 'The component I'm most worried about is the army,' Hillier said. 'The army is broken. We're down people. Our bases and our infrastructure are in very sad condition. And we lack every kind of capability that a force needs in the kind of areas where we would find ourselves fighting right now. If things go south in Eastern Europe and (Vladimir) Putin and Russia get into some kind of thing they can't extract themselves from and start heading into Lithuania and Latvia, where there are several thousand Canadians, our sons and daughters, we are ill-prepared to insure that they're ready to look after themselves.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The army lacks self-propelled artillery pieces, air defence systems, technology that can detect, track, and neutralize drones, and equipment to remove minefields, Hillier said. 'We need to focus a huge amount of that defence spend on the army.' Canada has also been lagging in spending to defend our north, he said. 'We've got to know what's going on in the Arctic, to be able to see what's going on specifically, to be able to communicate what's going on and then to be able to respond to what's going, whether its air, land, or depending on the time of year, sea forces. Right now, we can only do a very small part of that.' The country needs satellites and ultra-long endurance drones to cover the north, Hillier said. Bases should be built in Inuvik, Rankin Inlet, and Iqaluit, he said. 'Then you have to connect … those spots by upgrading the airfields across the north.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The military also needs billions of dollars to repair and replace old buildings, Hillier said. Canada's military has a shortfall of about 15,000 people right now, Hillier said. 'You do not attract first rate people with third rate infrastructure. And right now, you go to any garrison, any base, any wing across Canada and the infrastructure is crumbling.' At CFB Trenton, the military's hub for air transport operations in Canada and abroad, people can't even drink the water on the base 'because it's contaminated,' Hillier said. At CFB Petawawa, 'the fire hall they've been trying to replace for years floods in any kind of a rainstorm,' he said. 'As soon as it shuts down, you shut down operations in that training area, in that garrison, for the brigade, for the helicopter squadron and for the special forces training centre.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Hillier believes the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank could help alleviate all of these problems. 'There's an enormous amount of momentum because the inherent good in it is evident to most people as soon as they sit and think about what it could achieve,' he said. This is the latest in a National Post series on How Canada Wins. Read earlier instalments here. Read More Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Vancouver Canucks Local News Sports Sports BC Lions
CTV News
3 hours ago
- CTV News
G7 summit could continue ‘harmonization' between Canada, U.S. amid trade war
G7 summit could continue 'harmonization' between Canada, U.S. amid trade war Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Gordon Griffin says U.S. tariffs between will be the 'elephant in room' as both sides have a chance to ease trade tensions.
Cision Canada
3 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Prime Minister Carney convenes the Incident Response Group Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, convened the Incident Response Group with ministers and senior officials to address the ongoing 2025 wildfire situation affecting many parts of the country. The group was briefed on efforts to respond to the fires and support evacuations. This includes the mobilization of Canadian Armed Forces personnel to assist with the evacuation of Sandy Lake First Nation in Ontario. The Prime Minister emphasized the close contact between various arms of the federal government, premiers, and the Canadian Armed Forces. All orders of government remain engaged, including with Indigenous leadership. Prime Minister Carney and the group thanked all first responders and officials on the ground, and reiterated that the federal government stands ready to mobilize additional support wherever needed and in all aspects.
