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OTTAWA — What appeared to be a last-minute trip by the prime minister to attend Khalsa Day celebrations in Toronto has landed Canada in a new diplomatic tiff with India.
The Indian government summoned Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler to explain “separatist slogans” shouted at the parade where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave remarks, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release on Monday.
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“The Government of India’s deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event,” the press release read.
“This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence. 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.”
Though it was originally not on the prime minister’s officially released itinerary for Sunday, Trudeau flew to Toronto from Ottawa early Sunday afternoon, and his office issued an amended itinerary listing the appearance in the late afternoon.
The leaders of Canada’s two major opposition parties — Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh — also spoke at the event. Khalsa day celebrates both the Sikh New Year and the establishment of the Sikh community in 1699.
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Video of Trudeau’s remarks show spectators shouting “Khalistan Zindabad” — meaning “long live Khalistan,” referring to the controversial movement to establish a Sikh homeland within India.
After offering greetings in Punjabi, Trudeau said “merci” as he placed the microphone back onto the podium.
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The National Post has asked the PMO for comment.
Trudeau earned India’s ire late last year when he announced in the House of Commons that Canada was “actively pursuing credible allegations” that India was directly responsible for the death of prominent British Columbia Sikh community leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Nijjar was shot dead by two masked gunmen outside of his Sikh temple in Surrey, B.C., on June 18.
More to come . . .
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