In a notable admission amidst a tense diplomatic standoff, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged for the first time the presence of Khalistani supporters in Canada.
Speaking at Diwali celebrations on Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, Trudeau confirmed the existence of a Khalistan support base in Canada, clarifying that it does not represent the entire Sikh community.
“There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole,” Trudeau said. He similarly noted that supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government also do not represent all Hindu Canadians.
Rising Tensions Following Nijjar’s Killing
Relations between Canada and India have sharply deteriorated since the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani activist labelled a terrorist by India, outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. Trudeau’s subsequent allegations of potential Indian involvement in Nijjar’s murder ignited a diplomatic crisis that has strained ties between the two nations.
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Trudeau’s remarks on Diwali came shortly after a violent incident outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario. Protesters, some waving Khalistani flags, reportedly clashed with devotees, leading to altercations that went viral on social media. Videos showed heated confrontations with people swinging poles and throwing punches.
Condemning the violence, Trudeau stated, “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.” He expressed appreciation for the Peel Regional Police’s quick response to protect the community.
India’s Concerns Over Khalistani Activity in Canada
India has raised ongoing concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in Canada, alongside repeated calls for stronger action against Khalistani activists operating in the country. “We have seen violent disruption today (November 3) orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organized with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton,” said Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
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Jaiswal noted that despite attempts to hinder the event, the Indian Consulate issued over 1,000 life certificates to Indian and Canadian applicants. India has long accused Canada of providing a safe haven to Khalistani extremists, asserting that these separatists jeopardize Indian security.
Intelligence vs. Hard Evidence: Canada’s Claims on Nijjar’s Death
India has vehemently denied involvement in Nijjar’s killing, condemning Trudeau’s accusations as baseless and politically motivated. Although Canadian police initially linked six Indian diplomats to the killing, India dismissed these claims as “preposterous.” In October, Trudeau admitted before a public inquiry that his assertions were based on intelligence, not direct evidence.
“There was intelligence from Canada, possibly from Five Eyes allies, suggesting India’s involvement, but it was not conclusive proof,” Trudeau remarked, adding that Canada had opted not to publicly announce these allegations during the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
India’s Call for Action
India has repeatedly called on Canada to act against pro-Khalistani extremists and to address the growing hostility toward Indian nationals. Trudeau’s remarks mark a rare acknowledgment of the presence of Khalistan supporters, though he remains firm in his stance that such individuals do not define the Sikh community.
