India has summoned the Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi to express concerns about propaganda material circulating in Canada. The material, including posters, contains threats against Indian diplomats and is connected to a pro-Khalistan rally scheduled for July 8. The posters specifically name the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and the Consulate General of India in Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava, accusing them of involvement in the killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief and designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly acknowledged the unacceptable posters and stated that her country takes its obligations to the safety of diplomats seriously. She also emphasized that the actions of a few individuals do not represent the entire community or Canada as a whole.
In response to the situation, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on partner countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia to not provide a platform for Khalistanis and their radical extremist ideologies. He urged them to consider the negative implications these ideologies have on their relationship with India.
This recent development comes after a tableau parade celebrating the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi took place in Ontario earlier this month, causing significant criticism from the Indian government. Additionally, in March of this year, Khalistan supporters protested outside the Indian Embassy in Canada, raising pro-Khalistan slogans and allegedly assaulting Indian-origin journalists present at the scene.
India is urging its partner countries to be vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent the spread of Khalistani extremism, highlighting the potential negative impact it can have on diplomatic relations. The issue of the threatening posters will also be raised by India with its partner countries to address this concerning matter.
