New Delhi on Monday summoned Canadian Deputy High Commissioner over raising of separatist slogans on ‘Khalistan’ at an event addressed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, underlining that it impacts the relations between the two countries and encourages “climate of violence”.

“The Government of India’s deep concern and strong protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event. This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

“Their continued expressions not only impact India-Canada relations but also encourage a climate of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its own citizens,” the statement added.

As PM Trudeau walked up to the stage for his address to mark Khalsa Day, the chants of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ kept getting louder, showed a video released by Canada-based CPAC TV.

It happened again when Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre walked up to the stage to begin his address. New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow were also present at the event.

Thousands of people flocked to downtown Toronto on Sunday for one of the biggest yearly gatherings in the city.

In his address, Trudeau, who has angered India with allegations that it was involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year, also vowed to always protect the rights and freedoms of Sikhs in Canada and defend the community against hatred and discrimination.

India has rejected the Canadian government’s allegations as “absurd and motivated.” India accuses Ottawa of harbouring Sikh separatists.

India raised its concerns with the U.S. over American envoy to Islamabad Donald Blome’s recent visit to Gilgit-Baltistan in PoK. File photo of External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi
| Photo Credit: PTI

India on Thursday said it raised its concerns with the U.S. over American envoy to Islamabad Donald Blome’s recent visit to Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and called on the world community to respect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.

He also rejected U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti drawing a parallel to Mr. Blome’s travel to Gilgit-Baltistan to an American delegation’s visit to Srinagar to attend meetings relating to G-20.

“Our position on the entire Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir being an integral part of India is well known. We would urge the international community to respect our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Mr. Bagchi said when asked about Mr. Blome’s visit.

“We have raised our concerns about that visit by the US ambassador to Pakistan with the U.S. side,” he said.

Mr. Blome visited Gilgit-Baltistan last month.

Asked about Mr. Garcetti’s comments on the matter, Mr. Bagchi said: “We do not think the two situations are equivalent.” In October last year too, India raised its concerns with the U.S. after Mr. Blome visited Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

When asked about Mr. Blome’s visit, Mr. Garcetti said two weeks ago: “It’s not my place to react to the United States ambassador in Pakistan but I know he’s been before, and we’ve had obviously part of our delegation in Jammu and Kashmir during the G-20 as well.” He also said that the Kashmir issue can only be resolved by India and Pakistan.