India Protests Trudeau's Claim of Involvement in Canadian Sikh Activist's Death, Highlighting Ongoing Tensions over Khalistan Movement

Canada is facing criticism from India over Prime Minister Trudeau's claim that India was involved in killing Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India denies the allegations.

The history of tensions surrounding the Sikh separatist Khalistan movement in India/abroad spans decades. Canada has the world's largest Sikh population outside India.

While only a small portion of Canadian Sikhs support Khalistan, Canada's multiculturalism has allowed Sikhs to retain cultural ties to India. This includes sending funds to more radical groups.

India is concerned about violent symbolism and rhetoric from some Canadian Khalistan supporters. It wants Canada to curb what it sees as extremism.

Canada's Five Eyes allies have been quicker to denounce anti-India groups to avoid alienating India. But Canada continues investigating Nijjar's death.