New Delhi expresses strong concern over controversial parade in Canada, urges action against extremist elements

New Delhi, May 5: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has conveyed serious concerns to the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi following a controversial parade held in the Greater Toronto Area, reportedly featuring provocative imagery and slogans targeting Indian leaders and the Indian community in Canada. Sources within the government confirmed that India has raised the issue “in the strongest terms,” expressing deep dismay over what it described as “unacceptable imagery and threatening language” directed at Indian leadership and citizens residing in Canada.

The event, reportedly organised by pro-Khalistan supporters in Toronto’s Malton neighbourhood, has triggered outrage amid already strained India-Canada relations. As per media and social media reports, the parade allegedly featured effigies of Indian leadership.

The MEA reiterated its longstanding call for the Canadian authorities to take “decisive action” against extremist elements operating from Canadian soil who, it alleges, promote separatism, hate speech, and threaten social harmony. “We once again call on the Canadian authorities to act against anti-India elements who spread hatred and advocate extremism and a separatist agenda,” the ministry conveyed, according to sources familiar with the communication. The incident comes against the backdrop of deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries.