Canada condemns vile protest outside Indian Consulate in Toronto

Canada has condemned a protest outside the Indian consulate in Toronto, where demonstrators displayed an image of two men shooting at photos of Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Officials called it a threat to democracy and demanded accountability. The protest, reportedly organised by Sikh extremist groups linked to the Khalistani movement, featured Khalistani flags, mock executions, and imagery referencing Mrs Gandhi’s assassination. Some activists accused Anand of siding with India following her visit there in October to strengthen bilateral ties under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. International Development Minister Randeep S. Sarai said such acts undermine democracy and have no place in Canada, while Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree called the protest vile and unacceptable, urging action against those inciting hate. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree echoed the same outrage over the "absolutely vile and unacceptable" demonstration.

Khalistani supporter Sarbjit Kaur have publicly criticised Anand, accusing her of siding with India following efforts to normalise bilateral relations. "She may need to resign over this. Besides anything that happened in the past or in India - she is praising someone allegedly targeting citizens current day in Canada," Kaur posted on X, adding, "She's not making people feel safe."

The incident comes amid improving Canada-India relations, marked by the reinstatement of high commissioners and renewed security talks.The bilateral reset gained momentum with the appointment of Christopher Cooter as Canada's High Commissioner to India, filling a vacancy that had been open since October 2023, and the resumption of national security advisor-level talks in New Delhi.