Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has strongly criticized the pro-Khalistani protests that have recently taken place in Canada ahead of the G7 Summit. Referring to the protestors as "kiraye ke tattu" (hired stooges), Puri suggested that they should not be taken seriously. His remarks come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to attend the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada, marking his sixth consecutive participation in the gathering.
Puri's statement was made while speaking to reporters in Delhi, where he was questioned about videos circulating of pro-Khalistani protests in Canada coinciding with Modi's upcoming visit. He responded by dismissing the protestors and alluding to another video purportedly showing individuals who receive funding from Pakistan staging a sit-in against Islamabad after their funding was cut off. He used this as a comparison to downplay the significance of the pro-Khalistani demonstrations.
The protests in Canada have involved Khalistani supporters taking to the streets with banners to protest Modi's visit and advocate for a separate Sikh homeland. These demonstrations have occurred against a backdrop of strained relations between India and Canada. Relations between the two countries have been tense since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in 2023 of a potential Indian link to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. These accusations led to diplomatic friction, including the recall of Indian diplomats from Canada.
Despite the recent tensions, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the G7 Summit. This invitation has been viewed by some as an attempt to mend the strained ties between the two nations. Carney defended his decision by stating that India, as the world's most populous country, needed to be included in discussions concerning global issues.
Adding to the security concerns surrounding the G7 Summit, a recent incident involved a civilian aircraft entering the no-fly zone above Kananaskis, the summit venue. Canadian CF-18 Hornet fighter jets were deployed and took "final warning measures" to get the pilot's attention, who later landed the aircraft safely. As a result, Canada has temporarily closed the airspace over Kananaskis and Calgary for the duration of the summit.
Hardeep Puri also addressed broader issues related to India's energy sector, assuring that the nation's energy reserves remain robust despite global market fluctuations influenced by tensions between Iran and Israel. Furthermore, he emphasized India's advancements in biofuel blending and green hydrogen initiatives, showcasing the country's progress and commitment to sustainable energy.
