Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the nexus between Khalistani separatists and organised crime and drug syndicates and human trafficking rackets should be of concern for the Canadian government as well.
He conveyed India’s strong concerns about the continuous anti-India activities perpetrated by Khalistani separatist groups in Canada.
Prime Minister Modi pointed out that in recent years Khalistani separatists have used Canadian soil to promote secessionism, the ministry of external affairs said in a press release. PM Modi told Trudeau that these Khalistani extremists have in recent times incited violence against Indian diplomats, damaged diplomatic premises and threatened the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.
Earlier in July, India summoned the Canadian envoy and issued a demarche over the increasing activities by pro-Khalistani elements in Canada. The action was taken after the separatists, who are known to have connections with Pakistan’s secret services, released some posters with names of certain Indian diplomats.
“The nexus of such forces with organised crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats,” the Prime Minister told his Canadian counterpart, according to the press release.
At least half a dozen cases have been reported from Canada where Khalistani separatists have vandalised temples in the nation by spraying anti-India graffiti and threatening to harm worshippers who visit those places and in certain cases these separatist groups have also attacked Canadian Indians, members of the Indian community and Sikhs who do not subscribe to their ideology.
PM Modi said that “India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties”. “A relationship based on mutual respect and trust is essential for the progress of India-Canada relationship,” the Prime Minister said, according to the press release.
Khalistani separatists earlier this March attacked the Indian High Commission in London and vandalised the premises and also disrespected the tricolour. They threatened the staffers inside the high commission premises. They also carried out attacks on the Indian consulate in San Francisco.
Both leaders met on the sidelines on the final day of the G20 Summit. Trudeau congratulated the Prime Minister on the success of India’s G20 Presidency, the press release said.
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