Actions of few do not represent entire community or Canada, says Justin Trudeau on Khalistani issue

He said the actions of a few people do not represent the entire community or Canada.

Trudeau said Khalistani extremism and 'foreign interference' have been discussed several times during his conversation with Indian PM Narendra Modi over the years.

"Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues," he told reporters.

"Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us. At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred," the Canadian PM, who visited India to attend the G20 Summit, said.

"It is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada," he said.

"The flip side of it, we also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference," he said.

Also Read: The Pannun puzzle: China’s surprising embrace of Khalistan separatist movement 

Trudeau made the remark at a time when a Hindu temple in British Columbia in Canada was desecrated with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti.

The Indian Consulate in Vancouver condemned the incident and asked Canadian authorities to investigate the matter.

"We strongly condemn the defacing of Shree Mata Bhameshwari Durga Devi Temple at Surrey with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action against the perpetrators," the consulate posted on X.

Meanwhile, Indian PM Narendra Modi said he met Trudeau and discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.

What happened in the meeting?

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties.

He conveyed India's strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada.

They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomtic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.

"The nexus of such forces with organized crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats," read an official statement issued by the PMO India office.