India Asks Canada to Ensure Security At Its Missions Ahead of Republic Day Celebrations

India has asked Canada to ensure the security of its diplomatic missions on January 26 amid the threat posed by pro-Khalistan elements, ahead of Republic Day celebrations across the North American country.

“On the occasion of 75th Republic Day of India, there will be a flag unfurling ceremony on 26th January 2024 at @HCI_Ottawa,” the Indian mission in Ottawa wrote on X on January 19. National celebrations, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, will take place at Indian missions for the first time since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, last September alleged New Delhi’s link to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

‘We have sensitised’

India on several occasions outrightly rejected the Nijjar claims and asked Canada to furnish proof. Its approach has been collaborative in wanting to deal with the concerns raised by Canada. “We have sensitised Canadian authorities about the requirement of safety and security of the Indian High Commission and Consulates,” High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma was quoted as saying by The Hindustan Times.

The report said security concerns persist after protests linked to the arrest of Amritpal Singh, leader of Waris Punjab De, in March last year. Protests near the Indian High Commission escalated when protestors breached the street side, shook its fence, and deployed flash bangs near the perimeter. Nijjar’s Surrey killing has added to the tensions, with Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) targeting Indian officials through “Wanted” posters and protests. The SFJ’s actions extended to vandalising temples and protesting Consular camps, organised by India’s missions in Canada, prompting an increase in vigilance for India’s Republic Day.

For the past few months, India has continued to maintain that the “core issue” with Canada remains that of the space given to separatists, terrorists and anti-India elements in that country. “Our position has been consistent. We have highlighted how we see the problem and frankly, the core issue remains the space that is given to extremists, terrorists and anti-India elements in that country,” then-Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in December.

Bagchi said that New Delhi’s positions have remained consistent and it would hope that they would take action on such extremist elements that are misusing freedom of speech and expression from their country. Ambassador Verma recently said that relations between the two countries will return to normalcy only if Ottawa takes note of India’s concerns in Canada.