While India’s ties with Canada has improved with Mark Carney succeeding Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister, reports about the presence of an ‘Embassy of the Republic of Khalistan’ has threatened the progress in the dipomatic patchup between the two global powers.
Set up by Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), the so-called embassy is situated on the premises of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Temple in Surrey. Interestingly, Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in 2023 at the parking lot of this very gurdwara once headed by him.
The building was constructed using funds provided by the British Columbia government, according to sources cited by News18. Recently the provincial government in British Columbia funded an elevator worth $150,000.
Responding to the development, BJP leader Tarwinder Singh Marwaha said,” Those living abroad talking about Khalistan are weakening the Sikhs. I appeal to the Canadian government to take action. I would like to say to the External Affairs Minister Dr D Jaishankar to take appropriate action….”
Nijjar, 45, was fatally shot outside the Surrey gurdwara on June 18, 2023. Following this the diplomatic ties between India and Canada hit an all-time low after then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September 2023 that there was “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of the terrorist.
India had strongly dismissed Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd and motivated” while accusing his government of allowing pro-Khalistani elements to operate from Canadian soil.
However, the relations have improved with Carney taking over as premier. During the G7 summit in Canada in June, the two sides agreed to restore their diplomats while improving trade ties. Earlier this month, Canada appointed Jeff Davis as the new Consul General in Mumbai.
