India commemorated the 39th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, known as the Kanishka bombing, highlighting its devastating impact and condemning terrorism. The event comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Canada over the activities of Khalistani extremists in Canada. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri paid homage to the victims, emphasizing the need for global action against terrorism.
Amid ongoing tensions between India and Canada, a recent incident involving Khalistani extremists in Brampton has raised fresh concerns. Canadian High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay, denounced the promotion of violence and emphasized Canada’s commitment to addressing such acts. The developments come at a time when India-Canada ties are at a low point, following allegations and diplomatic expulsions over the killing of a Khalistani terrorist in Canada last year. India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has urged Canadian authorities to take exemplary action against the public display of violence and hatred, expressing concern over the intimidation faced by Indian nationals in Canada.
India has formally raised concerns with Canadian authorities regarding public displays of violence and hatred targeting the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. During a pro-Khalistan demonstration in the Greater Toronto Area, a float depicted Gandhi being assassinated and posters promoting violence were displayed. This follows a similar incident in Vancouver last week, prompting India to urge Canadian authorities to take strong action against such displays.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed Canada’s willingness to enhance bilateral relations with India. Trudeau emphasized the importance of human rights, diversity, and the rule of law in cementing their ties. Prime Minister Modi responded by expressing India’s readiness to cooperate with Canada based on mutual understanding and respect. This news comes amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries, following allegations of Indian involvement in the murder of a Khalistani separatist in Canada and Canada’s alleged support of anti-India elements.
Amidst escalating tensions with Canada, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has criticized the Canadian government for providing political space to Khalistani separatist elements. Jaishankar emphasized that freedom of speech does not extend to supporting separatism. He expressed concern over the presence of individuals with dubious backgrounds in Canada, questioning the strength of Canadian law enforcement. The minister’s comments come in response to Canada’s defense of its support for freedom of speech, despite India’s concerns about separatist activities on Canadian soil. India has reiterated that it has not received any evidence to support Canada’s allegations of an Indian agent killing a Canadian on Canadian soil.
Indian envoy to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has highlighted persistent issues between the two nations, attributed to recent criminal incidents. He emphasized that India’s destiny should be shaped by its citizens, not external influences. The arrests of three Indian nationals in connection with the assassination of a Canadian Sikh leader have reignited tensions, with Verma expressing concerns about threats originating from Canada. Despite the challenges, he believes diplomatic discussions are ongoing, and both countries should prioritize understanding and respecting cultural differences.
India has strongly criticized the Canadian government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for issuing visas to individuals with links to organized crime, despite warnings from Indian officials. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar accused the Trudeau government of legitimizing “extremism, separatism, and advocates of violence” under the guise of free speech. Jaishankar pointed out that some individuals in Canada with pro-Pakistan leanings have formed a politically influential lobby, leading to concerns about the country becoming a safe haven for criminals.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau affirmed Canada’s adherence to the rule of law and independent justice system following the arrest of three Indian nationals linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dismissed Trudeau’s criticisms as “internal politics,” expressing concerns over pro-Khalistan elements influencing Canadian politics. The arrests of Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation, with authorities hinting at possible further arrests. Assistant Commissioner David Teboul of the RCMP confirmed investigations into connections between the detained trio and Indian authorities. Despite India’s extradition requests for 25 pro-Khalistan individuals, Canada has not yet acted, further straining diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Indian government strongly condemned Canada’s inaction against pro-Khalistan slogans raised during an event attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. The protest expressed deep concern over the unchecked separatist and extremist activities allowed in Canada, which foster violence and harm the safety of Canadian citizens.
