Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly acknowledged the presence of Khalistani separatist supporters within Canada, asserting that they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. The remarks, made during Diwali celebrations at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, come as diplomatic tensions between Canada and India continue to intensify.

Trudeau also noted that there are supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government within Canada, adding that they do not encompass the entirety of the Hindu Canadian community. This statement comes in the wake of strained relations following Trudeau’s allegation last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist. The Indian government dismissed the claim as “absurd” and “baseless.”

The diplomatic standoff escalated after Trudeau recently identified Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma as a “person of interest” in an investigation, though without specifying the case. In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly refuted the Canadian government’s assertions, branding them “preposterous.” India further expelled six Canadian diplomats by October 19, 2024, signaling a marked reduction in diplomatic engagement. Indian diplomats were also recalled from Canada.

Trudeau later admitted to the Canadian Public Inquiry on Foreign Interference that he had not presented concrete evidence to India regarding Nijjar’s death. This admission bolstered India’s stance on the matter.

The discord was further fueled last week when a group of pro-Khalistan demonstrators disrupted a consular event attended by Indian officials at the Hindu Mandir in Brampton. Clashes reportedly erupted as members of Sikhs for Justice protested outside the temple, allegedly resorting to violence against attendees. The incident drew condemnation from both Prime Minister Trudeau and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, with Trudeau reiterating Canadians’ right to practice their faith freely and safely.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed “deep concern” over the security of Indian nationals in Canada and urged the Canadian government to safeguard religious sites from such attacks.

The diplomatic crisis underscores the increasingly fragile ties between Canada and India, with ongoing discussions focused on security, mutual respect, and the protection of communities across both nations.