New Delhi – Tensions have flared between India and Canada following a controversial parade float in the Canadian city of Brampton. The float depicted the 1984 assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards, which has been perceived as a glorification of violence by Sikh separatists. India has strongly criticized Canada for allowing such an event, highlighting concerns about the promotion of extremism and separatism.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, expressed his disapproval of the tableau during a press conference in New Delhi. He stated, “I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. I think it is not good for relationships, not good for Canada.” The incident has also drawn condemnation from the Canadian High Commissioner in India, Cameron MacKay, who described the float as a celebration of Gandhi’s assassination and emphasized that hate and glorification of violence have no place in Canada.
Videos of the parade float circulated widely on the internet, showing a scene with Gandhi wearing a blood-stained white saree, surrounded by turban-clad men pointing guns at her. A poster in the background displayed the word “Revenge.” These images have sparked outrage among many in India, particularly members of Gandhi’s Congress party, who have demanded action from the Indian government.
Former Congress Mumbai leader Milind Deora took to Twitter, writing, “It’s not about taking sides, it’s about respect for a nation’s history & the pain caused by its Prime Minister’s assassination.” The assassination of Indira Gandhi occurred in 1984 when she was killed by two Sikh bodyguards. The incident was a response to her decision to allow the storming of the holiest Sikh temple, known as the Golden Temple, in an attempt to flush out Sikh separatists demanding an independent homeland called Khalistan.
The storming of the temple ignited widespread anger among Sikhs worldwide. The exact death toll from the subsequent violence remains disputed, with Indian authorities estimating it in the hundreds, while Sikh groups claim it was in the thousands. Canada, which has a significant Sikh population, particularly in Brampton, home to the largest Sikh community outside of India’s Punjab state, has been a focal point for pro-Khalistan sentiment.
This is not the first time India has raised concerns about pro-Khalistan activities in Canada. Earlier this year, India summoned Canada’s high commissioner to express concerns over pro-Khalistan protesters who breached the security of Indian diplomatic missions and consulates in the country. The bilateral commercial relations between India and Canada are valued at $100 billion, including $70 billion of Canadian portfolio investment, according to official figures.
As tensions escalate between the two nations, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact their relationship and whether further actions will be taken to address the concerns raised by India.
