Trudeau acknowledges Khalistani presence in Canada, says not all Hindus support Modi

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reportedly acknowledged the presence of Khalistan supporters in the country but emphasised that they do not represent Sikh community as a whole.

News reports said that Trudeau made these comments while addressing the Indian diaspora at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill during last week's Diwali celebrations.

“There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh Community as a whole. There are supporters of the Modi government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians as a whole,” he was quoted as saying.

Trudeau further noted that while there are supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in Canada, they do not represent all Hindu Canadians.

The relations between India and Canada came under severe strain following Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, an allegation rejected by India as “absurd.”

Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was designated a terrorist by India.

India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.

India has expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its high commissioner, Sanjay Verma, along with other "targeted" officials from Canada, following a firm rejection of Ottawa's allegations.

In recent years, Khalistani extremist activities have risen in Canada, with incidents such as violent protests and attacks on Hindu temples.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 4 condemned the attack on a Hindu temple in Canada by a mob of Khalistan supporters and asked the Canadian government there to intervene and ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, PM Modi said, "I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve."

He added, "We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law."