'WSO Bullying Her': Canadian Hindus Back Anand After Talks With India On Strengthening Ties

Last Updated:May 28, 2025, 09:32 IST

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing for deeper economic cooperation with India, with Canada set to host the G7 Summit from June 15 to 17.

Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand (L) made the announcement on her social media handle on X, thanking her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar for the "productive discussion" on Indo-Canadian ties. (Image: AFP/File)

Following the conversation between Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar last week, the World Sikh Organisation (WSO) expressed “deep disappointment" with Anand’s remarks, which described the conversation as productive. The WSO criticised the minister for “not addressing the targeting of the Sikh community in Canada."

In contrast, Hindu organisations in Canada have rallied in support of Anita Anand, underscoring the importance of strengthening ties with India, especially given Canada’s current economic challenges. The Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) issued a statement highlighting that organisations like WSO do not represent the entire Sikh community and often operate with their own political and social agendas.

They emphasised that a “Canada-first approach" is vital for addressing various challenges, and accused the WSO of “bullying" Anita Anand for her efforts to improve relations with India. “Strengthening diplomatic ties with India, an economic powerhouse in Asia, is viewed as beneficial for all Canadians by facilitating trade and fostering economic growth, particularly in a time of external geopolitical pressures," the HCF said in a statement.

“Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasised the need for unity and determination in building a stronger Canada. His leadership reflects a commitment to advancing the country’s interests, and he calls for parliamentary support to ensure national progress—an idea that resonates broadly across political lines. Regardless of party affiliation, elected officials must remain accountable to Canadians and prioritize the nation’s well-being over external influences or interests that do not align with the broader goals of the country," the HCF said.

Sources say many white Canadians also support resetting ties with India. Carney’s government has already labeled China a threat, leaving India as the other viable option for cooperation. Despite this, Khalistani groups are putting pressure on the Carney government aiming to ensure that the status quo with India continues.

With Jagmeet Singh out of the government, Carney has not appointed any individuals with Khalistani ideologies to key ministries, putting these elements at the risk of losing relevance in Canadian politics.

New Chapter For India-Canada Ties?

In the first official conversation since the major diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, Jaishankar spoke with his counterpart Anita Anand last week. “Thank you Minister @DrSJaishankar for the productive discussion today on strengthening Canada-India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities. I look forward to continuing our work together," Anand wrote on X.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing for deeper economic cooperation with India, with Canada set to host the G7 Summit from June 15 to 17.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated Carney on being elected as the Prime Minister after his predecessor Justin Trudeau stepped down from the role. In his message, he had stressed strong people-to-people ties between the two countries while saying he was looking forward to “unlocking greater opportunities".

Relations between India and Canada had taken a hit in 2023 after former PM Justin Trudeau publicly accused India of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, allegations that India described as “absurd" and “politically motivated".

Tensions had escalated further as Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, followed by a tit-for-tat move by India last year. Both countries expelled top envoys, froze trade talks and suspended official visits.

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