Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged, for the first time, the existence of Khalistani sympathizers within Canada.
Speaking at a Diwali celebration on Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, Trudeau noted the presence of Khalistan supporters in Canada while clarifying that they do not represent the entire Sikh community, much as supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Canada do not represent all Hindu Canadians.
Relations between the two nations have soured significantly following the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist, outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. Trudeau has accused India of involvement in Nijjar’s death, a claim India has strongly denied.
Addressing the controversy, Trudeau said, "There are supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole," emphasizing that such support does not reflect the broader Canadian Sikh population.
Tensions heightened further this week after violent clashes broke out outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada. Pro-Khalistan protesters clashed with devotees, with video footage showing physical altercations involving fists and poles.
Prime Minister Trudeau condemned the violence, affirming Canadians' right to practice their faith in peace. “The acts of violence... are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely,” Trudeau posted on X. He thanked the Peel Regional Police for their swift response in securing the area.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed grave concern for the safety of Indian nationals in Canada. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals… Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our Consulate was able to issue over 1,000 life certificates to applicants.”
India has repeatedly denied any involvement in Nijjar's killing and accused Canada of tolerating pro-Khalistan extremism within its borders. Trudeau’s administration, however, has claimed there is intelligence - though not definitive evidence - linking India to the murder. Last month, Trudeau admitted publicly that his allegations were based on intelligence reports rather than hard evidence. He noted that while intelligence from Canadian and Five Eyes sources suggested Indian involvement, conclusive proof has not been shared. Trudeau explained that while Canada had considered revealing these claims at the G20 summit in New Delhi in September 2023, it refrained in favor of pursuing diplomatic channels.
India’s response has been firm, rejecting Canada’s accusations as unsubstantiated. It also dismissed claims that India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, was a “person of interest” in the case, calling them “preposterous.” India has repeatedly requested evidence from Canada to back its claims, but it says none has been provided.
India has accused Canada of harboring pro-Khalistan extremists who pose a threat to India’s national security. According to New Delhi, these extremists have found a haven in Canada, with repeated requests for action being ignored by Canadian authorities. Trudeau’s acknowledgment of Khalistan support within Canada, while maintaining that it does not define the Sikh community as a whole, comes amid rising pressure from India to curb extremist activities.
As diplomatic strains show no signs of abating, both nations are bracing for a continued standoff, with Canada defending its intelligence claims and India demanding actionable proof of its alleged involvement.