Why Canada is becoming the focus of India's concerns about the Sikh separatist movement
The history of tensions surrounding Sikh separatism in India and abroad goes back decades, but experts say Canada is seen as the country where the movement is the strongest. As a result, it's drawn sharp criticism from India, especially in the face of Justin Trudeau’s recent allegations about India's involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh leader.
![Why Canada is becoming the focus of India's concerns about the Sikh separatist movement](https://i.cbc.ca/1.6984806.1696301422!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/toronto-sikh-protest.jpg)
![Demonstrators gather in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh state in India, during a rally outside the Consulate General of India, in Toronto on Sept. 25, 2023, following the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's assertion on Sept. 17, 2023, that agents linked to New Delhi may have been responsible for Nijjar's June 18 killing sent shockwaves through both countries. (Photo by Cole BURSTON / AFP) (Photo by COLE BURSTON/AFP via Getty Images) A Canadian flag and a yellow flag with blue lettering that says Khalistan are flown in front of a storefront on a downtown Toronto street.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.6984806.1696301422!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/toronto-sikh-protest.jpg)
The history of tensions surrounding Sikh separatism in India and abroad goes back decades, but experts say Canada is seen as the country where the movement is the strongest. As a result, it's drawn sharp criticism from India, especially in the face of Justin Trudeau’s recent allegations about India's involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh leader.