Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reignited diplomatic tension with India by acknowledging the presence of Khalistani supporters in Canada while clarifying that these individuals do not represent the entire Sikh community. His remarks came during Diwali celebrations at Ottawa's Parliament Hill, where he emphasized that just as not all Sikhs support Khalistan, not all Hindus in Canada align with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. There are supporters of the Modi government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians as a whole," Trudeau stated. The comments align with India?s concerns about the perceived shelter Canada offers to Khalistani separatists, an issue that has plagued Indo-Canadian relations.
This diplomatic row has intensified since the June 18, 2023, assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan figure, outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. India had previously designated Nijjar as a terrorist, citing his involvement in separatist activities. In September 2023, Trudeau suggested a possible connection between Nijjar?s killing and Indian agents, a claim India vehemently denies. This accusation sparked a diplomatic standoff, with Canada designating the Indian High Commissioner a ?person of interest? in Nijjar?s murder investigation.
In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its own High Commissioner, marking a further breakdown in diplomatic communication. India's Ministry of External Affairs has consistently dismissed Trudeau?s accusations as baseless, urging Canada to provide evidence to substantiate its claims.
The diplomatic fallout has highlighted India's broader frustration with what it views as Canada?s lax stance on separatist activities, particularly concerning Khalistani elements. India accuses Trudeau?s government of leveraging these issues for political benefit, which it claims sows division within the Sikh diaspora and stokes anti-India sentiment abroad.
