India on Monday summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner over the raising of separatist slogans on ‘Khalistan’ at an event addressed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
India underlined that it impacts the relations between the two countries and encourages a “climate of violence”.
“The Government of India’s deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event. This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
“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 statement added.
As PM Trudeau walked up to the stage for his address to mark Khalsa Day, the chants of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ kept getting louder, a video released by Canada-based CPAC TV showed.
The same happened again when Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre walked up to the stage to begin his address.
New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow were also present at the event.
In his address, Trudeau had earlier angered India with allegations that it was involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year.
He also vowed to protect the rights and freedoms of Sikhs in Canada.
India has rejected the Canadian government’s allegations as “absurd and motivated” and accused Ottawa of harbouring Sikh separatists.