India Strongly Protests Khalistan Slogans At Trudeau Event, Summons Envoy

India on Monday registered its strong protests over the pro-Khalistan slogans raised at an event attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

New Delhi has summoned the Canadian deputy high commissioner to lodge a strong protest. "The Canadian Deputy High Commissioner was today summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs with regard to the raising of separatist slogans on 'Khalistan' at an event which was being personally addressed by the Prime Minister of Canada," a statement from the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that India's deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event.

The statement added, "This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence. Their continued expressions not only impact India-Canada relations but also encourage a climate of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its own citizens."

Going by a video released by Canada-based CPAC TV, the chants of 'Khalistan Zindabad' grew increasingly louder as Prime Minister Trudeau approached the stage to deliver his address commemorating Khalsa Day,

The scene was witnessed when Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre took the stage to commence his address. Also in attendance at the event were New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.

The event, considered the biggest event of the year in Canada, was graced by thousands of people.

India and Canada's relationship strained last year after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020.

India rejected Trudeau's allegations as "absurd" and "motivated".