India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions Rise over Sikh Separatism

India has summoned Canada's Deputy High Commissioner to express "deep concern and strong protest" after separatist slogans in support of a Sikh homeland were raised at an event addressed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

India's diplomatic relations with Canada have taken a downturn after separatist slogans in support of a Sikh homeland were raised at an event addressed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. India has summoned Canada's Deputy High Commissioner to express "deep concern and strong protest" over the incident.

The event, held in Toronto, featured slogans supporting the creation of Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland. The slogans were reportedly raised by a group of protesters holding yellow flags with the word "Khalistan" and a banner with the picture of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh.

India's foreign affairs ministry said on Monday that it had conveyed "deep concern and strong protest" at such actions "being allowed to continue unchecked at the event." The ministry noted that Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a supporter of the Khalistan movement, was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.

Canada has the highest population of Sikhs outside their home state of Punjab in India, and the country has been the scene of many demonstrations that have irked India. India has previously accused Canada of harboring Sikh separatists and of being soft on Khalistani supporters.

Last year, bilateral diplomatic relations soured after Trudeau said Canada was "actively pursuing credible allegations" that Indian agents were potentially linked to the murder of Nijjar. India has denied any formal government role in Nijjar's murder, but the accusations have strained relations between the two countries.

The Canadian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, Trudeau has previously stated that Canada will "always be there to protect [the Sikh community's] rights and freedoms, and we will always defend your community against hatred and discrimination."

The incident has further strained relations between India and Canada, and it remains to be seen how the diplomatic row will be resolved. India has warned that it will not tolerate any support for Sikh separatism, while Canada has maintained that it will continue to support the Sikh community's right to peaceful protest.