PM Modi of India criticises Trudeau over the Sikh protests taking place in Canada
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met on the G20 sidelines. Modi criticized Trudeau over the ongoing Sikh protests in Canada. He expressed strong concerns for all the involved parties.
New Delhi has a sensitive relationship with Sikh protesters in Canada. Early this year, protests broke out in Canada over a parade float. The float depicted the assassination of Indira Gandhi. It appeared to glorify violence by Sikh separatists.
Indian officials released a statement saying that the protests are damaging diplomatic property and harming the Indian community and places of worship in Canada. The protestors are promoting secessionism and actively harming Indian diplomats.
The relationship has been strained between India and Canada recently. Canada halted talks on a trade treaty with India. They had agreed to the treaty three months before the halt. Modi held bilateral meetings with several G20 leaders. He did not meet with Trudeau during that time.
Sikhs have settled in Canada in large numbers. It has the highest population outside of Punjab, India. The country has seen several protests that upset India. Canada defends freedom of expression, conscience, and peaceful protest.
Trudeau states that the actions of a few protestors do not represent the community as a whole. Canada will continue to protect its citizens, curb violence, and fight against hatred.
The Canadian delegation has delayed leaving India due to technical issues. They have extended their stay until there are further arrangements.
India reacts to the parade incident.
India was outraged at a parade float taken down in Canada. The float depicted the 1984 assassination of Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards. India’s foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, states that it is a shame separatists, extremists, and other violent individuals have platforms to propagate hate.
The incident does not help maintain peaceful relations between India and Canada. Cameron Mackay states that he is appalled by a Canadian event celebrating the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
India had summoned the High Commissioner of Canada to express concern over the pro-Khalistan protestors.