Canada, Nov 9
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a significant admission about the presence of Khalistani supporters in Canada, emphasizing that these individuals do not represent the broader Sikh community. Addressing the Indian community during Diwali celebrations at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Trudeau acknowledged, “There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole.” He also drew a parallel by mentioning that Hindu supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Canada similarly do not represent the entire Hindu community.
Trudeau’s statements come amid heightened tensions between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which has soured diplomatic ties since September 2023. Trudeau’s comments seem to validate India’s stance that the Canadian government is sheltering pro-Khalistani elements, which India has long expressed concerns about.
This diplomatic row intensified when Canada recently named the Indian High Commissioner as a “person of interest” in Nijjar’s murder investigation. India categorically rejected the accusation, recalling its High Commissioner and expelling six Canadian diplomats. The Indian government has repeatedly criticized Canada for allegedly failing to address separatist activities within its borders, accusing Trudeau of engaging in “vote bank politics” at the expense of bilateral relations.
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