Desk: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the presence of Khalistani supporters in Canada, although he clarified that these individuals do not represent the entire Sikh community in Canada. His statement lends credence to India’s assertion that the Canadian government has provided shelter to pro-Khalistan elements.
Trudeau also commented on the presence of Modi supporters in Canada, saying, “There are supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. Similarly, there are supporters of Modi’s government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians.” Trudeau made this statement while addressing the Indian community at a Diwali event on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Trudeau’s comments come amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. The rift began when Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian agents in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot outside a gurdwara in British Columbia in June 2023.
The already strained relationship between Canada and India worsened in September 2023, when Canada labeled India’s High Commissioner as a “person of interest” in Nijjar’s murder investigation. India firmly denied these allegations and responded by cooling diplomatic ties, recalling its High Commissioner from Ottawa and expelling six Canadian diplomats.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly stated that Canada has yet to present concrete evidence of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s murder, despite India’s requests for information. The ministry also accused Prime Minister Trudeau of playing vote-bank politics, alleging that the Canadian government has not taken sufficient action against pro-Khalistan elements on Canadian soil.
As tensions over Khalistani activities continue to escalate, relations between India and Canada may face further complexities in the coming days.