India accuses Canada of ‘glorifying violence’

The Khalistan movement seeks to create a separate nation-state carved out of India’s Punjab state and surrounding areas, an idea that New Delhi sees as a threat to its territorial integrity.

The rally, organized by the Ontario Gurdwara Committee, featured separatist slogans and floats, and also a dummy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi depicted behind bars.

Pro-Khalistan activists in Canada have often targeted India’s leadership in their rallies and burnt their effigies. In its rebuke, the Indian Foreign Ministry raised concerns over the “violent imagery” being used by “extremist elements” in Canada against India’s political leadership.

“Democratic countries which respect the rule of law should not allow intimidation by radical elements in the name of freedom of expression,” India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. New Delhi also expressed “concern” about the security of its diplomats in Canada and urged the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to ensure that they can operate “without fear.”

Ties between India and Canada deteriorated after Trudeau publicly alleged New Delhi’s involvement in the assassination of prominent Sikh secessionist Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver in 2023. India angrily dismissed the accusations as “absurd” and “motivated” and briefly suspended visas for Canadian nationals in the early days of the spat. Last week, Canadian police announced that they had arrested three men of Indian origin in the case. The authorities reiterated they are investigating the suspects' “links with India.” 

Meanwhile, New Delhi has repeatedly accused Canada of harboring extremism on its soil. In its latest rebuke, New Delhi asked Ottawa “to stop providing criminal and secessionist elements a safe haven and political space in Canada.”