'Unacceptable Imagery, Threatening Language': India Objects To Canada's Anti-Hindu Rally In 'Strongest Terms'

After an anti-Hindu rally in Canada's Toronto that portrayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior Indian government officials in a disrespectful manner, the Indian government expressed its deep concerns to the Canadian High Commission in the harshest language possible, The Hindu reported.

The Monday (5 May) statement marked the first communication of this nature from India since the election of the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, a week prior.

“We have conveyed our concerns in the strongest terms to the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi regarding the parade held in Toronto where unacceptable imagery and threatening language were used against our leadership, and Indian citizens residing in Canada. We once again call on the Canadian authorities to act against anti-India elements who spread hatred and advocate extremism and separatist agenda,” an official source was quoted as saying after the development.

A sizable pro-Khalistan demonstration occurred in Toronto on Sunday, where phrases such as "Kill India" were used, and numerous prominent individuals, including PM Modi, were portrayed in a disparaging way. The demonstration also involved religiously charged chants and called for the removal of Canadian residents of Indian descent.

The diplomatic ties between India and Canada have been strained since September 2023, following accusations by former PM Justin Trudeau that Indian agents were responsible for the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan preacher based in Surrey, British Columbia.

India has repeatedly voiced its discontent to the Canadian authorities regarding the increasing pro-Khalistan activities on Canadian soil. After Carney’s victory, a change in relationship was expected but the recent developments put a pessimistic shadow over this expectation.