Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the “cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats” amid escalating diplomatic tensions with Canada. This situation intensified when both nations expelled each other’s top envoys last month, following Canadian allegations that India was involved in violent actions against Indian dissidents on Canadian soil, which India strongly denies.
Modi’s remarks were prompted by violence at a Hindu temple in Brampton, a city near Toronto, where he described the event as a “deliberate attack." He stated,
“Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.”
Local police have reported that three individuals have been arrested and charged regarding the incident, although further details remain scarce. The police department indicated that
“several acts of unlawfulness continue to be actively investigated.”
Unverified videos circulating online suggest confrontations between individuals waving yellow flags associated with the Khalistan movement, which seeks a separate Sikh homeland in India, and others carrying Indian flags.
India’s foreign ministry has attributed the violence to “extremists and separatists," urging the Canadian government to protect all places of worship from such attacks. In contrast, the North America-based activist group Sikhs for Justice characterized the incident as an “unprovoked violent attack on peaceful pro-Khalistan demonstrators."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence as “unacceptable," asserting that
“every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.”
The deteriorating relations between India and Canada have raised concerns about their significant economic ties. Bilateral trade between these countries amounts to billions of dollars, with Canada home to nearly 1.7 million individuals of Indian descent. Although neither nation has yet implemented tariffs or economic sanctions, experts warn that ongoing tensions could impact future economic growth.
Voters are expressing frustration on both sides of the border, particularly as Canada’s Prime Minister faces potential threats of a snap election.
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