New Delhi on Monday summoned Canadian Deputy Excessive Commissioner over elevating of separatist slogans on ‘Khalistan’ at an occasion addressed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, underlining that it impacts the relations between the 2 international locations and encourages “local weather of violence”.

“The Authorities of India’s deep concern and robust protest was conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to proceed unchecked on the occasion. This illustrates as soon as once more the political area that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence,” mentioned the Ministry of Exterior Affairs in a press release.

“Their continued expressions not solely influence India-Canada relations but in addition encourage a local weather of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its personal residents,” the assertion added.

As PM Trudeau walked as much as the stage for his handle to mark Khalsa Day, the chants of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ stored getting louder, confirmed a video launched by Canada-based CPAC TV.

It occurred once more when Opposition chief Pierre Poilievre walked as much as the stage to start his handle. New Democratic Get together chief Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow have been additionally current on the occasion.

1000’s of individuals flocked to downtown Toronto on Sunday for one of many greatest yearly gatherings within the metropolis.

In his handle, Trudeau, who has angered India with allegations that it was concerned within the killing of a Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar final 12 months, additionally vowed to at all times defend the rights and freedoms of Sikhs in Canada and defend the neighborhood towards hatred and discrimination.

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