India Summons Canadian Diplomat Over Pro-Khalistan Slogans at Toronto Event

The Indian government has summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner to protest the raising of pro-Khalistan slogans at an 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 such "troubling actions being permitted to persist unchecked" at the event, which was the Khalsa Day Celebrations, one of the biggest yearly gatherings in Toronto commemorating the founding of the Sikh community.

During the event, loud chants of "Khalistan Zindabad" resonated as Trudeau approached the podium to address the Canadian Sikh community. The Indian government stated that this incident illustrates the political space given in Canada to separatism, extremism, and violence, which not only impacts India-Canada relations but also encourages a climate of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its own citizens.

Why this matters: The incident has further strained the diplomatic ties between India and Canada, which were already dealing with a crisis after the killing of a Canadian Khalistani leader in 2023. It underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding separatist movements and their impact on bilateral relations between the two countries.

Despite Prime Minister Trudeau's assurance to the Sikh community that the Canadian government will always protect their rights and freedoms and defend their community against hatred and discrimination, the Indian government warned that these persistent expressions will have a negative impact on bilateral relations. The MEA noted that the actions illustrate the deterioration of India-Canada ties, which have soured after Trudeau's comments last September about Indian agents potentially being linked to the killing of a Canadian citizen, a charge dismissed by India as "absurd and motivated."

India has been asserting that its core issue with Canada remains the space given to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements in that country. The Indian government has repeatedly criticized the Canadian government for its perceived failure to curb the activities of pro-Khalistan elements. "The Government of India conveyed its deep concern and strong protest over such troubling actions being permitted to persist unchecked, stating that this illustrates the political space given in Canada to separatism, extremism, and violence, which not only impacts India-Canada relations but also encourages a climate of violence and criminality in Canada," the MEA said in a statement.

The summoning of the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries since last June, when Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the assassination of a Canadian Sikh, a charge rejected by India. The ties between India and Canada have been strained, with India asking Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence and temporarily suspending visa services. As the Indian government continues to strongly protest against the chanting of pro-Khalistan slogans on Canadian soil, it remains to be seen how this incident will further

Key Takeaways

• India summons Canadian diplomat over pro-Khalistan slogans at Trudeau event.
• India protests political space given to separatism, extremism, and violence in Canada.
• Incident further strains India-Canada diplomatic ties already dealing with Khalistani leader's killing.
• India warns persistent expressions will negatively impact bilateral relations with Canada.
• India criticizes Canada's perceived failure to curb activities of pro-Khalistan elements.