India on Monday strongly protested after 'pro-Khalistan' slogans were raised at a public event which was attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Toronto.
In an official statement, the government has informed that Canadian Deputy High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler has been summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) with regard to the raising of separatist slogans on 'Khalistan' at an event which was being personally addressed by the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau.
The Government of India’s deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event, MEA said.
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 External Affairs Ministery added.
The pro-Khalistan slogans were heard during Khalsa Day (Vaisakhi) celebration in Toronto during Justin Trudeau's speech. Several videos of the event have surfaced on social media platform X.
The summoning of Deputy High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler came a day after the event in Toronto.
In his address at the event, Trudeau reaffirmed Canada's unwavering commitment to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the Sikh community.
"The Government of India's deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event," the MEA said.
"This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence," it said in a statement.
It further added, "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 ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Trudeau's allegations in September of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia.
With inputs from PTI
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