India summons Canadian diplomat after pro-'Khalistan' slogans raised at event addressed by Trudeau

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has voiced its severe opposition to separatist slogans referring to “Khalistan” during a public gathering that was attended by Canadian dignitaries, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

India expressed its strong disapproval and profound concern over the event to the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner, who was summoned by the MEA.

“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,” the MEA said in a statement.

“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 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,” the statement added.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, amidst loud pro-Khalistan chants, assured the Sikh community in Toronto that Canada is committed to protecting their rights and freedom at all costs. Trudeau highlighted Canada’s diversity as a strength during his speech at the Khalsa Day ceremonies, saying, “Sikh values are Canadian values.”

In a speech to Sikhs on Khalsa Day, Prime Minister Trudeau praised Canada’s diversity, saying that it is one of its greatest assets. We are strong not in spite of our differences, but because of our differences; but even as we look at these differences, we have to remember, and get reminded on days such as this, and every day, that Sikh values are Canadian values."

On Khalsa Day, thousands of Sikhs descended onto downtown Toronto for one of the largest annual gatherings in the city.

Following the uproar around the passing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an Indian terrorist designation, Trudeau’s comments come at a delicate moment in the diplomatic relationship between Canada and India. Thousands of Sikhs attended the yearly Khalsa Day celebration in downtown Toronto despite the unrest, demonstrating the community’s solidarity and robust presence.

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The incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding separatist movements and their impact on bilateral relations between India and Canada.