Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged that there are supporters of Khalistan in Canada but they do not represent the entire Sikh community. He made these comments during Diwali celebrations at the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa, amidst an ongoing diplomatic dispute with India over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau further added that there are also supporters of Prime Minister Modi’s government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians.

Relations between Canada and India have been tense since September last year, when Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in Nijjar’s death. India quickly rejected these accusations, calling them “absurd.” In response, India also expelled six Canadian diplomats and withdrew several officials from Canada.

India has repeatedly raised concerns about the presence of pro-Khalistan groups operating freely in Canada, which it views as a major issue in bilateral relations. Recently, supporters of Khalistan disrupted a consular event in Brampton, which was co-hosted by the Hindu Sabha temple and the Indian Consulate.

Trudeau condemned the disruption, affirming that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith safely and freely. Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that it remains “deeply concerned” about the safety of Indian nationals in Canada.

In light of security concerns, the Indian consulate in Toronto announced that it would cancel some planned consular events after Canadian security agencies said they could not provide adequate protection for the organizers.

(With PTI Inputs)