India Protests Against Pro-Khalistan Slogans Raised at Toronto Event Attended by PM Trudeau

The Indian government has called in the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner to protest the raising of pro-Khalistan slogans at a public event in Toronto attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conveyed India's "deep concern and strong protest" over the "disturbing actions" being allowed to continue unchecked at the Khalsa Day Celebrations on April 28, 2024.

Videos from the event showed loud chants of "Khalistan Zindabad" filling the air as Trudeau began speaking to the crowd. The venue was also decorated with Khalistan flags and signs attacking the Indian government. Trudeau, accompanied by cabinet ministers and MPs, pledged to protect the rights and freedoms of the Sikh community in Canada. However, he did not refer to the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada last year, which had strained India-Canada relations.

Why this matters: The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between India and Canada over the issue of Sikh separatism. It also underscores the challenges faced by the Canadian government in balancing its commitment to freedom of expression with maintaining diplomatic relations with India.

The MEA stated that the actions at the Toronto event "illustrate once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence." It added that these 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.

The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a group declared a terrorist organization by India, announced that it will hold the next phase of its "Khalistan Referendum" in Calgary on July 28. The Indian government has criticized the Canadian government for its perceived failure to curb the activities of pro-Khalistan elements.

The summoning of the Canadian diplomat comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries since last June, when Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of involvement in the assassination of Canadian Sikh Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a charge dismissed by India as "absurd and motivated". Nijjar was a vocal advocate of the Sikh independence movement, known as Khalistan, which has largely died down in India but remains active internationally.

In response to the incident, the MEA stated, "The Government of India will continue to urge the Government of Canada for investigation and action against those who are involved in anti-India activities and also to ensure that freedoms and privileges in Canada are not misused by extremist elements."

Key Takeaways

• India summons Canadian diplomat over pro-Khalistan slogans at event with PM Trudeau.
• Khalistan flags, signs attacking India displayed at event; Trudeau pledged to protect Sikh rights.
• India criticizes Canada for giving political space to Sikh separatism, extremism, and violence.
• Sikhs for Justice to hold Khalistan Referendum in Canada, India urges action against anti-India activities.
• Tensions between India and Canada escalate over Sikh independence movement and Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing.