MEA summons Canadian Deputy High Commissioner over 'pro-Khalistan' slogans

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly protested against the raising of 'Khalistan' separatist slogans at a public event attended by Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The MEA summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner to convey India's deep concern and strong protest over the incident.

The MEA stated, "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."

MEA says, "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."


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. Speaking at the Khalsa Day celebrations, Trudeau emphasized Canada's diversity as a strength, stating, "Sikh values are Canadian values."

Speaking to the Sikhs on the occasion of Khalsa Day, Trudeau hailed Canada's diversity and said, "One of Canada's greatest strengths is its diversity. 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."

Thousands of Sikhs flocked to downtown Toronto on Khalsa day for one of the biggest yearly gatherings in the city.

Trudeau's remarks come at a sensitive time in diplomatic relations between India and Canada, following controversy over the death of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Despite the tensions, thousands of Sikhs gathered in downtown Toronto for the annual Khalsa Day event, highlighting the community's strong presence and unity.

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