Trudeau's remark on Khalistani elements 'encourages climate of violence and criminality in Canada': India

In the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent remarks regarding Khalistani elements in his country, India said on Thursday that these statements once again underscored the political tolerance afforded to separatism, extremism, and violence in Canada.

Addressing the media, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said “This not only impacts India-Canada relations but also encourages a climate of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its own citizens,” he said when asked about Trudeau’s remarks.

Earlier this week, Canadian PM Trudeau reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of the Sikh community, regardless of the circumstances.

India on Monday summoned the Canadian deputy high commissioner and lodged a strong protest with him over raising of pro-‘Khalistan’ slogans at the event in presence of Trudeau and several other leaders.

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“PM Trudeau has made such remarks earlier as well. His remarks illustrate once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism, and violence,”

On the sidelines of the event, the Canadian prime minister also told the media that the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year created “a problem” and that he cannot ignore it.

Nijjar was a Khalistani separatist and he was wanted in India on various terror charges. “It is a problem in our relations with India because we cannot ignore that,” Trudeau said on the killing of Nijjar.

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The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Trudeau’s allegations in September last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar.

New Delhi rejected Trudeau’s charges as “absurd”. Days after Trudeau’s allegations, India asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity.

Subsequently, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats and their family members from India.

India has been asserting that its “core issue” with Canada remained that of the space given to separatists, terrorists and anti-India elements in that country.

Following Trudeau’s allegations last year, India temporarily suspended issuance of visas to Canadian citizens. The visa services were resumed several weeks later.