On Thursday, India lodged a strong protest with Canada over actions taken by Khalistani extremists, who held a so-called "citizens court" and burned an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver, according to authoritative sources cited by news agency PTI.
India issued a diplomatic note to the Canadian High Commission, expressing its serious objections to the recent activities of Khalistani elements. The note also conveyed India's deep concern over the space being allowed to Khalistani separatists in Canada by the Justin Trudeau government.
The protest came a day after the Canadian Parliament observed a "moment of silence" in memory of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Surrey, British Columbia, in June of the previous year.
On June 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a brief interaction on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in the Apulia region of Italy. This conversation took place amidst a backdrop of strained relations between India and Canada.
Tensions between the two countries escalated significantly after Trudeau made allegations in September of the previous year, suggesting a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing. New Delhi dismissed Trudeau's accusations as "absurd."
India has consistently stated that the primary issue in its relations with Canada is the freedom and space given to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil without facing consequences.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra recently reiterated that India’s main concern with Canada remains the political space Ottawa provides to anti-India elements who promote extremism and violence. He emphasized that India has repeatedly communicated its "deep concerns" to Canada and expects Ottawa to take robust action against these elements.
The protest and subsequent diplomatic note reflect India's ongoing frustration and demand for action regarding the activities of Khalistani extremists in Canada.
