Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised concerns about protests in Canada to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the G20 summit in New Delhi. India has been sensitive to Sikh protesters in Canada, particularly after a float in a parade that depicted the 1984 assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which was seen as glorification of violence by Sikh separatists. India accuses these protesters of promoting secessionism, inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.
The relationship between India and Canada remains tense, and Ottawa has paused talks on a proposed trade treaty with India. At the G20 summit, Modi held bilateral meetings with various world leaders but did not hold one with Trudeau. The assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984 by two Sikh bodyguards, following her authorization of the storming of the holiest Sikh temple in northern India, has been a point of contention. Canada has the largest population of Sikhs outside of Punjab, India, and has been the site of many protests that have angered India.
Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and peaceful protests, but also emphasized the need to prevent violence and push back against hatred. He stated that the actions of a few do not represent the entire Sikh community or Canada as a whole. Meanwhile, Trudeau’s departure from the G20 summit was delayed due to a technical issue with the Canadian delegation’s aircraft, and they will remain in India until alternative arrangements are made.