Wednesday, May 20, 2026
ADVT 
National

Sikh rally in Toronto with multi-party support prompts India diplomatic rebuke

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Apr, 2024 04:08 PM
  • Sikh rally in Toronto with multi-party support prompts India diplomatic rebuke

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh at the Khalsa Day rally in Toronto on Sunday.

The rally commemorates the Sikh faith, and some participants chanted and carried banners emblazoned with slogans calling for a state separate from India, known as Khalistan.

India formally summoned Canada's deputy high commissioner Monday, and the country's foreign ministry decried what it called "disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event."

India's foreign ministry didn't specify what it took issue with, but noted there were displays of separatism and alleged this illustrates Canada tolerating "extremism and violence."

New Delhi and Ottawa have been at odds over the issue for decades, and the relationship has been significantly strained since Trudeau accused India of playing a role in the slaying of a Canadian Sikh leader last year. 

Canada insists it will not infringe on free speech, including when Sikh people call for the existence of Khalistan. 

But India says these comments violate its constitution.

India has pointed out instances of people in Canada openly glorifying those linked to the 1985 bombing of an Air India plane, whose passengers were largely Canadian citizens. 

Human-rights groups says the country's Hindu nationalist government has increasingly persecuted minorities in recent years.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly's office did not immediately comment on India's rebuke Monday. 

Joly has repeatedly said she wants to navigate the diplomatic rift with India in private. 

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. First Nation research finds 158 child deaths at four facilities

B.C. First Nation research finds 158 child deaths at four facilities
An investigation into unmarked graves and missing children by British Columbia’s Sto:lo Nation has revealed at least 158 deaths, most of them at a hospital. Researchers with the nation say archival documents from three residential schools and a First Nation hospital show most of the children reportedly died of disease, some of accidents, while other causes of death are unknown.   

B.C. First Nation research finds 158 child deaths at four facilities

One arrested in LGBTQ rally

One arrested in LGBTQ rally
Vancouver police say one person was briefly taken into custody yesterday during protests and counter-protests related to including sexual orientation and gender identity supports in B-C schools. Police say the arrest happened during a confrontation between opposing groups but they say there were no significant public safety issues.

One arrested in LGBTQ rally

Families concerned over 'escalating tension' between India and Canada

Families concerned over 'escalating tension' between India and Canada
With India warning its citizens to “exercise utmost caution” while in Canada amid escalation of the diplomatic row between the two countries, the families of students and permanent residents, particularly the Hindus and Hindu-Canadians residing in the north American nation, are concerned about their well being. 

Families concerned over 'escalating tension' between India and Canada

Indian-origin MP says Canadian Hindus 'soft targets', urges them to be calm, vigilant

Indian-origin MP says Canadian Hindus 'soft targets', urges them to be calm, vigilant
Stating that Hindu Canadians are 'soft targets', Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya on Thursday urged the community to stay calm, vigilant and report incidents of Hinduphobia in the face of a recent video by a Khalistani leader threatening and asking them to leave the country.

Indian-origin MP says Canadian Hindus 'soft targets', urges them to be calm, vigilant

Trudeau seeks India's help on probe of B.C. killing, India says Canada gave no info

Trudeau seeks India's help on probe of B.C. killing, India says Canada gave no info
At the United Nations today, Trudeau said during a news conference he wants India to take the matter seriously and work with Canada to ensure accountability and justice. At a briefing today, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said no specific information had been shared by Canada on the Nijjar case.  

Trudeau seeks India's help on probe of B.C. killing, India says Canada gave no info

14 railcars derailed near Rayleigh

14 railcars derailed near Rayleigh
C-N Rail says its crews are responding after 14 railcars loaded with potash derailed near Rayleigh. Spokesperson Scott Brown says there were no dangerous goods involved and no leaks, injuries or fires reported.

14 railcars derailed near Rayleigh