India summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner on Monday and conveyed its strong protest after separatist slogans were raised during an event in Toronto addressed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
On Sunday, pro-Khalistan chants filled the air during a Khalsa parade where Trudeau addressed the attendees on the occasion of Khalsa Day. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh of the New Democratic Party (NDP) also attended the rally.
“The Canadian Deputy High Commissioner was today summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs with regard to the raising of separatist slogans on ‘Khalistan’ at an event which was being personally addressed by the Prime Minister of Canada,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a readout. In the MEA statement, India expressed deep concern over such actions, highlighting the political space in Canada for separatism and extremism.
India strongly protests ‘Khalistan’ slogans at a public event attended by Canadian leaders:https://t.co/ELigT7BEDl pic.twitter.com/7k9DCl2yAv— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 29, 2024
READ MORE: Watch: Khalistan Zindabad Slogans Fill The Air As Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Addresses Khalsa Day Event
‘India’s deep concern’
“The Government of India’s deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event. This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence. Their continued expressions not only impact India-Canada relations but also encourage a climate of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its own citizens,” it added.
As Trudeau delivered his speech during the Toronto event, pro-Khalistani chants were heard throughout. The video of the rally went viral on social media site X. Khalistani separatists and the Canadian government’s policies which do not restrict them from spreading Hinduphobia and anti-India hatred have led to the deterioration of India-Canada ties. Khalistani separatists have been tied to incidents of vandalism at Hindu temples as well as attacks on members of the Indian diaspora.
India-Canada ties soured after Trudeau last September said that Ottawa was “actively pursuing credible allegations” that Indian agents were potentially linked to the June killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canada has been asking India to cooperate in its investigation of Nijjar’s killing. Strongly rejecting the accusations, New Delhi asked Ottawa to furnish solid proof.
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