New Delhi, September 11, 2023 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his grave concerns to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the ongoing anti-India rallies in Canada. This development comes as a part of discussions during the G20 conference held in New Delhi.
The issue of Sikh demonstrators in Canada has long been a sensitive topic for the Indian government. In June, India criticized Canada for allowing a float in a parade commemorating the 1984 assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards. This float was perceived as glorifying violence by Sikh separatists, straining relations between the two nations.
The Indian government’s statement on the matter expressed deep concern, stating that these demonstrators were promoting secessionism, inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and posing threats to the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.
Tensions between India and Canada have escalated recently, with Ottawa halting negotiations on a planned trade deal with India just months after both nations expressed hopes of reaching an initial agreement this year. During the G20 conference, Prime Minister Modi held private meetings with several foreign leaders but did not meet with Prime Minister Trudeau.
The ongoing discord stems from historical events, notably the storming of the holiest Sikh shrine in northern India in 1984 by Sikh separatists seeking an independent nation known as Khalistan. The subsequent assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by two Sikh bodyguards further intensified the matter. Canada has the largest Sikh population outside of Punjab in India and has witnessed several rallies that have displeased the Indian government.
In response to these concerns, Prime Minister Trudeau held a news conference in New Delhi, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and peaceful protest. He stated, “We are always there to prevent violence and push back against hatred.” He also underscored that the actions of a few individuals do not represent the entire Sikh community in Canada or the nation as a whole.
A technical issue with the Canadian delegation’s aircraft led to the postponement of Prime Minister Trudeau’s departure from the G20 summit on Sunday, as announced by the prime minister’s office. The statement further mentioned that the Canadian delegation would remain in India until alternative travel arrangements were established.
As tensions persist and negotiations remain on hold, the issue of anti-India rallies in Canada continues to strain diplomatic relations between the two nations, with both leaders addressing the challenges at hand during the G20 conference in New Delhi.
