India has lodged a vigorous protest with the Canadian High Commission in Delhi regarding the organization of ‘Citizen’s Courts’ by Khalistani activists in Canada. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), conveyed India’s strong objection, emphasizing that such gatherings are detrimental. He underscored India’s stance against providing political space to extremist anti-India elements and those advocating violence.
“We have strongly protested at the Canadian High Commission here. Such courts or gatherings are not helpful at all. We have strongly taken it up with them and asked them to take appropriate action in the matter,” Jaiswal stated in response to ANI’s inquiry.
Jaiswal further highlighted India’s repeated calls to the Canadian government to take decisive action against extremist elements and to cease providing them political legitimacy. He expressed concern over recent actions in Canada, including the Canadian Parliament’s observance of a two-minute silence on the death anniversary of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader.
“We naturally oppose any moves giving political space to extremism and those advocating violence,” Jaiswal remarked on Canada’s parliamentary observance.
Relations between India and Canada have faced strain, exacerbated by past incidents such as Prime Minister Trudeau’s accusations linking India to Nijjar’s killing, which India dismissed as unfounded. The issue of Canada’s tolerance of pro-Khalistan groups operating within its borders remains a significant point of contention.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has reiterated India’s concerns, stressing the need for Ottawa to address these issues promptly. India has consistently urged Canada to take firm action against entities promoting separatism and violence against India.
“We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns to Canada and expect Ottawa to take decisive measures against such elements,” Kwatra emphasized.
The recent interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the G7 Summit reflected the ongoing tension, with India reiterating its position on these critical matters affecting bilateral relations.