India Summons Canada Envoy Over Pro-Khalistan Slogans At Event Attended By Trudeau

New Delhi: The Centre on Monday summoned the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to express its strong protest and deep concern over the recent incident where pro-Khalistan slogans were raised at an event attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“The Government of India’s deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event. This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

India strongly protests 'Khalistan' slogans at a public event attended by Canadian leaders:https://t.co/ELigT7BEDl pic.twitter.com/7k9DCl2yAv

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 29, 2024

Such expressions, India stressed, not only strain India-Canada relations but also foster an environment of violence and criminality detrimental to Canadian citizens.

The incident occurred on April 28 during a Khalsa Day celebration event in Toronto, where videos captured the raising of pro-Khalistan slogans as Trudeau addressed the crowd. Trudeau, in his speech, assured the Sikh community of Canada of his government’s unwavering commitment to safeguard their rights and freedoms.

In addition to Trudeau, other political figures including Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow were present at the event.