Despite cracks in the diplomatic relationship between India and Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues his support to the separatists who demand a separate Sikh nation in India. Recently, India Day celebrations in Canada were also interrupted by the Khalistani supporters that took place on the occasion of August 15, 2024. During the India Day Parade in Toronto on Sunday, Khalistani supporters tried to disrupt the parade, creating a tense atmosphere. Tight security arrangements were made for this parade organized by the Indian community in Toronto to celebrate India's independence. Despite this, Khalistani supporters came in front of the parade and raised slogans like "Indian Hindu, go back India" "Na Hindi na Hindustan, Ban Ke Rahega Khalistan" and "Delhi Banega Khalistan".
Now, a video is going viral on social media that showcases the Khalistanis not only chanting anti-India slogans but also disrespecting the Tiranga. In some videos, they were seen standing on top of the tricolor and tearing it, while the Canadian police remained a mute spectator. However, Indian supporters in the parade also retaliated by raising slogans of "Hindustan Zindabad" and gave a befitting reply to the Khalistani separatists. There was a time when both sides came face to face and a situation of clash arose. The parade included the largest Indian flag outside India, and several tableaux representing Indian states were also shown.
According to reports, the Khalistanis had already planned to disrupt the parade, but the Indian community foiled their plans. The parade, held on August 18 at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, was reportedly one of the largest commemorations of India's independence in the country. The incident turned into a confrontation between some Indian and Khalistani supporters in Surrey on India's Independence Day.
India and Canada's relationship has hit rock bottom ever since Justin Trudeau accused the Modi government of carrying out the assassination of Hardeep Nijjar on their soil. Hardeep Nijjar was the most wanted terrorist in India but Trudeau called him a Canadian and even came at loggerheads with New Delhi over the Khalistan issue. India has always refused the allegation of its hands in Nijjar's murder with EAM Jaishankar saying that New Delhi is ready to investigate if Canada provide them any evidence.