Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has for the first time publicly acknowledged the presence of Khalistani supporters in Canada, amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi. Speaking during Diwali celebrations at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Trudeau stated that while there are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, they do not represent the entire Sikh community. His comments followed the deteriorating relations after the June 2023 killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.
Trudeau’s remarks were made in the context of growing unrest between the two nations. While acknowledging pro-Khalistan sentiments within Canada, he also drew a parallel, noting that the presence of supporters of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Canada does not reflect the views of all Hindu Canadians. His statement has sparked reactions from both supporters and critics.
The tensions have manifested in physical confrontations, including clashes at a temple in Brampton, Ontario, where some protesters waving Khalistani flags clashed violently with worshippers. The chaotic scenes, which included fistfights and the use of poles, were widely shared on social media. Trudeau condemned the violence, affirming that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith peacefully.
The Indian government has expressed deep concern over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada, particularly after the violent disruptions outside the consular event. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the actions of anti-India groups and reiterated its concerns over the safety of Indian citizens in Canada.
The diplomatic crisis between India and Canada was ignited by Trudeau’s accusations in September 2023 that India may have been involved in the murder of Nijjar, a designated terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). Canada’s allegations have caused an ongoing rift, with India vehemently denying any involvement.
Trudeau’s administration has claimed that intelligence, rather than conclusive proof, suggested India’s role in the killing. However, India has repeatedly rejected the claims, arguing that they are politically motivated and linked to Canada’s failure to address the rise in pro-Khalistan sentiments within its borders. Canadian police had also suggested that six Indian diplomats were involved, a claim India dismissed as “preposterous.”
In a public inquiry last month, Trudeau admitted that Canada had no solid, “hard evidentiary proof” of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing, and that his government’s statements were based on intelligence from Canadian agencies and possibly from its Five Eyes allies. Trudeau explained that Canada had refrained from making the allegations public at the G20 summit in September 2023, opting instead for cooperation with India’s security services.
The Indian government has long accused Canada of providing a safe haven for pro-Khalistani extremists, posing a security threat to India. Despite multiple exchanges between the two nations, including at international forums like the G20 Summit, India has criticized Canada for not taking adequate action against Khalistani groups operating on Canadian soil.
The diplomatic stand-off remains unresolved, with both countries entrenched in their positions. The Trudeau government faces increasing pressure to address the rising pro-Khalistan sentiment in Canada, while India continues to challenge Canada’s handling of the matter. As tensions simmer, it remains to be seen how this dispute will impact the broader international relations between the two nations.
