Last update:08 November 2024, 6:47 p.m. IST

Justin Trudeau said there are supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians as a whole.

Trudeau’s remarks came as he addressed the Canadian Indian diaspora on Parliament Hill in Ottawa during Diwali celebrations last week. (AFP file)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there were Khalistan supporters in Canada, but they did not represent the Sikh community as a whole.

The Canadian Prime Minister’s recognition of Khalistan supporters in the country justifies India’s position that the Trudeau government is harboring Khalistan separatists.

Trudeau’s remarks came as he addressed the Canadian Indian diaspora on Parliament Hill in Ottawa during Diwali celebrations last week.

He added that there are supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians as a whole.

Trudeau’s comments came amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa following Trudeau’s allegations in September last year of “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the extremist’s assassination. of Khalistan Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi had rejected Trudeau’s accusations as “absurd” and “baseless”. .

Ties were further strained when Trudeau recently named Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma as a person of interest in an investigation, without naming the case. A person of interest is a suspect who has not been arrested.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had strongly rejected the Trudeau government’s claims, calling them “absurd imputations.” six Canadian diplomats and asked them to leave India no later than Saturday, October 19, 2024. New Delhi also recalled its high commissioner and other diplomats from Ottawa, indicating a significant deterioration in ties with Canada.

Trudeau later admitted that he had failed to provide India with concrete evidence regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil while testifying before the public inquiry into foreign interference in the federal electoral processes and democratic institutions in Ottawa, thereby reinforcing India’s claims.

Brampton Temple Attack

Last week, a group of protesters holding banners in support of Khalistan disrupted a consular event attended by Indian officials at the Hindu Mandir in Brampton. Protesters reportedly beat people with sticks outside the temple.

The violence first broke out in Hindu temple in Brampton Sunday afternoon, after members of a group called Sikhs for Justice staged a protest while Indian consular officials were visiting.

The incident was condemned, notably by Canadian Prime Minister and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau emphasized the right of every Canadian to practice their faith freely and safely.

Additionally, India’s foreign ministry said New Delhi remains “deeply concerned” about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The MEA further called on the Canadian government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to protect places of worship from such attacks on its soil.