WATCH: Pro-Khalistan slogans raised during Trudeau's Vaisakhi celebrations speech in Toronto

As Canada struggles to curb the growing Khalistani movement, pro-Khalistani chants were raised during the speech of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the occasion of Vaisakhi also referred to as Khala Day in Canada.

In a video circulating online, several people can be seen chanting “Khalistan zindabad” as Trudeau concluded his address at the event which was conducted in downtown Toronto on Sunday.

Thousands of people attended what was touted as the city’s largest annual event. According to the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council (OSGC), the Sikh community in Canada has been celebrating Vaisakhi in the country since 1966.

Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau's speaks in Vaishakhi event in Toronto with loud Pro-Khalistani sloganeerig in background.

"We will stand with you.
Once again on this wonderful day of celebrations, Happy Baisakhi! Vaheguru ji ka khalsa Vaheguru ji ki fateh." pic.twitter.com/Pvq9ENhnI2

— Abhishek Jha (@abhishekjha157) April 29, 2024

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However, the recent incident of pro-Khalistani chats during Trudeau’s address came amid brewing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada over the death of Pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

We will protect your rights: Trudeau 

During his address, Trudeau gave a strong assurance to the Sikh Community that his government would do everything to safeguard the rights and freedom of the people at all costs.

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The Canadian premier insisted that the concept of diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths, and the country is strong not in spite of the differences, but because of those differences.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Happy Vaisakhi! pic.twitter.com/B9nymTeVyb

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 29, 2024

“To the nearly, 800,000 Canadians of Sikh heritage across this country, we will always be there to protect your rights and your freedoms, and we will always defend your community against hatred and discrimination,” the Canadian Prime Minister averred.

“Your right to practice your religion freely, and without intimidation is exactly that. A fundamental right guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that we will always stand up and defend you for,” he added.

The Canadian leader also mentioned that his administration is currently negotiating a new agreement with India “to add more flights and more routes between our countries”. “We will keep working with our counterparts to add even more flights, including to Amritsar,” he explained.

India-Canada tensions continue to escalate

Trudeau’s proclamation came at a time when the diplomatic ties between India and Canada were at an all-time low. The relations between the two started to deteriorate after the Canadian PM alleged that agents working for the Indian government were involved in the assassination of Nijjar.

The pro-Khalistani terrorist was shot dead outside a Gurudwara in Surrey. It is important to note that Nijjar was designated as a terrorist by the Indian government in 2020.

In response to this, New Delhi denied the allegations and called Trudeau’s claims “absurd”. This eventually led to a major shuffle in Canada and India’s diplomatic presence in each other’s countries.

Earlier this month, Trudeau raked up the Najjar incident once again, stating that his government will continue defending the rights of its citizens to “speak out” even if it “irritates” India.

“The previous Conservative government was known for its very cosy relationship with the current Indian government whereas our government has always stood up to defend the minorities in Canada and the rights of minorities to speak out even if it irritates their home countries overseas," he averred.

Hence, the latest incident reflects the deteriorating ties between the two nations.