India lodged a strong protest with the Canadian High Commission in Delhi on Friday, objecting to the Canadian Parliament’s minute of silence on the death anniversary of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by the Indian government, remains a controversial figure in India-Canada relations.
During a press briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its disapproval of any actions that provide political space to extremism and violence.
“We naturally oppose any moves giving political space to extremism and advocacy of violence,” the ministry stated.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Canadian Parliament observing two-minute silence on the death anniversary of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We naturally oppose any moves giving political space to extremism and those advocating violence…” pic.twitter.com/nN6iyIWHQQ
— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2024
Randhar Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed that India had raised the issue with the Canadian High Commission. “We have strongly protested at the Canadian High Commission here. Such courts or gatherings are not helpful at all. We have strongly taken it up with them and asked them to take appropriate action in the matter,” Jaiswal was quoted as saying by ANI.
Jaiswal reiterated India’s position against allowing political space for extremist anti-India elements. “We have been strongly protested at the Canadian High Commission here. Such courts or gatherings are not helpful at all. We have strongly taken it up with them and asked them to take appropriate action in the matter,” he added.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s association with Khalistani separatism has been a contentious issue, with India urging Canada to avoid actions perceived as supporting separatist agendas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a brief conversation on June 14 during the G7 Summit in Italy’s Apulia region, amidst the strained relations between India and Canada.
This interaction followed Tudreau’s allegations in September last year, suggesting possible Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing, which India had dismissed as baseless.
India has consistently expressed concern over Canada’s tolerance of pro-Khalistan groups operating within its borders. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra recently reiterated this stance, emphasising Ottawa’s provision of political space to anti-India elements promoting extremism and violence is a critical issue. India has repeatedly communicated its “serious concerns” to Canada and expects Ottawa to take decisive measures against such elements, Kwatra stressed.
