India summons Canada diplomat over Khalistan slogans during Trudeau’s speech

The Centre on Monday summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner to the Ministry of External Affairs after pro-Khalistan slogans were raised at an event attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the Canadian diplomat was conveyed India’s “deep concern and strong protest” 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. Their continued expressions not only impact India-Canada relations but also encourage a climate of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its own citizens,” the statement read.

On April 28, Sunday, Justin Trudeau attended a Khalsa Day celebration event in Toronto. Videos from the event showed pro-Khalistan slogans being raised as Trudeau began addressing the crowd.

In his speech, Trudeau went on to assure the Sikh community that the Canadian government would protect their rights and freedoms at all costs.

“To the nearly 800,000 Canadians of Sikh heritage across this country, we will always be there to protect your rights and your freedoms, and we will always defend your community against hatred and discrimination,” said the Canadian Prime Minister.

Besides Trudeau, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow attended the event.

Khalsa Day is known as Vaisaki, the day that marks the celebration of the Sikh New Year.