Justin Trudeau Shares Diwali Video Amid Heightened India-Canada Diplomatic Standoff

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared clips of his Diwali celebrations on Sunday amidst the ongoing diplomatic strain between India and Canada.

"Happy Diwali! So many special moments shared celebrating with the community this week," Trudeau wrote in a post on X. In a video posted online, Trudeau is seen having sacred threads tied around his wrist, gifted from three Hindu temples in Canada.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/JustinTrudeau

"I got these bracelets when I was in three different Hindu temples over the past few months. They are good luck," he noted, adding that he believed the threads would offer him "protection."

"I'm not taking them off till they fall off," the Prime Minister remarked. He was also offered a plate of jalebis, joking that he would "save [them] for the team."

Earlier, on October 31, Trudeau had extended Diwali greetings to Canadians, saying in a statement, "Today, we join millions of people in Canada and around the world to celebrate Diwali."

He acknowledged the contributions of the Indo-Canadian community, adding, "Diwali in Canada would not be possible without our incredible Indo-Canadian community. Indo-Canadians represent the best of Canada - as artists and entrepreneurs, as doctors and teachers, as leaders in business, community, and culture. On Diwali, we celebrate them and the light they carry across Canada's communities."

Trudeau also highlighted Diwali's significance for Hindu Canadians, noting that they make up one of Canada's largest and most diverse diasporas.

Despite the festive atmosphere, diplomatic tensions between India and Canada remain heightened.

Since September 2023, relations have worsened after Prime Minister Trudeau publicly accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India has firmly denied.

Indian authorities have insisted there is "no shred of evidence" connecting the Indian government to the incident.

Due to the escalating tensions, India withdrew six diplomats from Canada, citing safety concerns, which prompted Canada to respond similarly.