India conveys concerns in ‘strongest terms’ to Canada after pro-Khalistan rally in Toronto-OxBig News Network

India on Monday (May 5, 2025) conveyed its concerns in the “strongest terms” to the Canadian High Commission after a rally in Toronto depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top Ministers of the Government of India in an objectionable manner. This was the first such communication from the Indian side since the new Prime Minister Mark Carney was elected a week ago.

“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,” said an official source after India expressed displeasure to Canada.

Mr. Carney’s victory was welcomed by the Government of India with Mr. Modi sending a congratulatory message to Ottawa saying: “Congratulations @MarkJCarney on your election as the Prime Minister of Canada and to the Liberal Party on their victory. India and Canada are bound by shared democratic values, a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and vibrant people-to-people ties. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership and unlock greater opportunities for our people.”

On Sunday, a large pro-Khalistan rally was taken out in Toronto that used terms like “Kill India” and depicted several leading figures including PM Modi in a derogatory manner. The rally also raised slogans on religious lines and sought expulsion of Canadians of Indian origin.

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India’s relations with Canada had turned cold since September 2023 when former PM Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of assassinating Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan preacher in Surrey, British Columbia. Subsequently, India on multiple occasions expressed displeasure with the Canadian authorities over growing pro-Khalistan activities in Canada. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had described the Trudeau government of playing “vote bank” politics.

On October 14, 2024, India withdrew its High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma from Ottawa as bilateral ties took a nosedive.