Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada
Trudeau Acknowledges Khalistan Supporters in Canada, Affirms They Don’t Represent Sikh Community
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a candid acknowledgment about the presence of Khalistani supporters in Canada, stating that while they exist, they do not represent the broader Sikh community in the country.
His remarks align with India’s longstanding concerns that Canada harbors pro-Khalistani elements. Trudeau also commented on the Indian community, noting that supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi within Canada’s Hindu population do not represent all Hindu Canadians.
“There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. There are supporters of the Modi government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians as a whole,” Trudeau stated during his Diwali address at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill.
Rising Tensions Between Canada and India
Trudeau’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between India and Canada following the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Relations between the two nations became strained in September 2023 after Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were involved in Nijjar’s killing in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. India has consistently denied these allegations, emphasizing the lack of credible evidence provided by Canada.
Diplomatic Fallout
The diplomatic row intensified when Canada declared the Indian High Commissioner a “person of interest” in its ongoing investigation into Nijjar’s death. In response, India downgraded its diplomatic ties with Canada, recalling its High Commissioner and expelling six Canadian diplomats.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has called out Trudeau’s approach, accusing him of engaging in vote bank politics and failing to address separatist movements within Canada. The MEA also criticized Canada for not presenting concrete evidence of India’s alleged involvement in the Nijjar case, despite repeated requests.
