Canada has expressed its condemnation for a float that depicted the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at an event in Greater Toronto. Canadian envoy to India, Cameron MacKay, emphasized that the promotion of violence is unacceptable in Canada. The display of the float has led to tensions in bilateral relations, with India already raising the issue with Canadian authorities.
The float depicting Indira Gandhi’s assassination was part of a parade in Brampton commemorating the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar. This military operation conducted by the Indian Army in June 1984 aimed to remove militants, including their leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. India has been urging Canada to take action against pro-Khalistani elements operating from its soil.
The relationship between India and Canada faced challenges following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations last year regarding Indian agents’ involvement in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India dismissed Trudeau’s accusations as baseless. The central issue between the two countries is Canada’s tolerance of pro-Khalistani elements on its territory.
There have been instances of pro-Khalistani groups threatening Indian diplomats. In response to Trudeau’s claims, India requested Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence to achieve parity. Consequently, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats and their families from India. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India, was fatally shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is investigating the murder.
India continues to emphasize the importance of Canada taking action against pro-Khalistani elements and ensuring the safety of Indian diplomats. The incident involving the float depicting Indira Gandhi’s assassination underscores the need for both countries to address such sensitive issues effectively to maintain strong bilateral relations. Canada’s firm stance against promoting violence aligns with its commitment to upholding peace and stability within its borders.