India Protests ‘Threatening Imagery’ at Toronto Parade, Urges Canada to Act Against Extremist Elements

New Delhi: India has lodged a formal protest with the Canadian High Commission over the display of threatening language and imagery directed at Indian leaders during a recent parade in Toronto, which featured pro-Khalistan propaganda.

According to official sources, Indian authorities condemned the incident as “unacceptable” and emphasized their concerns about the safety of Indian citizens residing in Canada. The protest, delivered in strong terms, called upon Canadian authorities to take swift action against those promoting hatred and separatism.

“We conveyed our concerns in the strongest terms to the Canadian High Commission regarding the parade held in Toronto, where unacceptable imagery and threatening language were used against our leadership and Indian citizens,” a source said.

The incident occurs at a delicate moment in India-Canada relations, following recent political changes in Ottawa. Mark Carney’s election as Prime Minister of Canada has raised hopes for a potential reset in diplomatic ties, which were strained under Justin Trudeau’s leadership.

Relations between the two countries sharply declined after Trudeau’s allegations in September 2023, suggesting Indian involvement in the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a claim India firmly denied as “absurd.” The fallout led to the withdrawal of multiple diplomats on both sides.

However, recent reports suggest that bilateral security dialogues have resumed, with discussions underway to appoint new high commissioners.

New Delhi has reiterated its desire to restore relations based on mutual respect, trust, and sensitivity, while urging the new Canadian leadership to address extremist activities on its soil.