In June, India had criticized Canada for permitting a parade float that depicted the 1984 assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards
During a meeting at the G20 summit held in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his strong concerns to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding ongoing Sikh protests in Canada, as reported by Reuters. This issue has been a longstanding source of sensitivity for India.
In June, India had criticized Canada for permitting a parade float that depicted the 1984 assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards. This depiction was perceived as glorifying violence by Sikh separatists. In response, India’s official statement underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating, “They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.”
Trudeau stated that Canada would continue to take measures to prevent violence and counteract hatred, emphasizing that the actions of a few individuals should not be seen as representative of the entire Sikh community or Canada as a whole
As a result of these tensions, relations between India and Canada have been strained, leading to Canada’s decision to temporarily halt talks on a proposed trade treaty with India, only three months after both nations expressed their intention to finalize an initial agreement within the year. Notably, during the G20 summit, Modi held bilateral meetings with numerous world leaders, but no such meeting took place with Trudeau.
Canada is home to the largest population of Sikhs outside of their native Punjab in India, making it a focal point for protests that have raised concerns in India. Trudeau, while addressing the issue at a press conference in New Delhi, emphasized Canada’s commitment to defending “freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and peaceful protest.” He also stated that Canada would continue to take measures to prevent violence and counteract hatred, emphasizing that the actions of a few individuals should not be seen as representative of the entire Sikh community or Canada as a whole.
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