Canada is at a turning point in its foreign policy. Under Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Ottawa is charting a pragmatic and forward-looking course-one that seeks to normalise and strengthen relations with both India and China, two of the world’s largest and most influential economies. This is not merely a matter of diplomacy; it is an act of strategic necessity for Canada’s future prosperity and global relevance.
Yet, as Anand and Carney pursue this responsible foreign policy, radical Khalistani organisations are attempting to sabotage it. These groups, which the Canadian Government itself has previously flagged for violent or extremist activities, are trying to impose a veto on Canada’s India policy. Their methods go far beyond protest: they are engaging in intimidation and threats against public representatives-including Minister Anand-simply because they refuse to submit to their divisive agenda. What makes this campaign especially vile is its targeting of Anita Anand’s identity. A proud Hindu and Canadian of Indian origin, Ms Anand embodies the multicultural and inclusive spirit of this country. Yet extremists have twisted her faith and heritage into a weapon against her. They have forgotten-or wilfully ignored-the central message of the Sikh Gurus, who preached universal brotherhood, compassion, and justice.
In an act of shocking malice, these radicals have displayed violent imagery in Vancouver, pointing guns at posters of Ms Anand and the late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, depicting a grotesque assassination scene. This is a deliberate attempt to justify violence against Ms Anand’s person. This is not “activism”; it is political intimidation, pure and simple. Such actions are intended to terrorise and silence public servants-a direct attack on Canada’s democratic institutions.
I want to commend MP Randeep Sarai for his principled stand in condemning this intimidation and defending his colleague. His courage represents the best of Canadian democracy-a willingness to speak up when it matters most. However, it is deeply disappointing that many of his fellow MPs have remained silent. If twenty-one Members of Parliament cannot defend one of their own colleagues against such blatant threats, the public has every right to question whether these same leaders will stand up for ordinary Canadians when the time comes. Leadership demands courage, not convenience. Canada cannot and must not tolerate this. The threatening of elected representatives is not free speech; it is a crime.
The Government must respond with the full force of the law. Political violence-whether inspired by ideology, religion, or nationalism-has no place in a democratic nation built on peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. Prime Minister Carney and Foreign Minister Anand are right to put Canada’s interests first. They understand that constructive engagement with India and China is essential for trade, technology, climate action, and global stability. No fringe movement should be allowed to hijack that national agenda. It is time for Canadians-of every background-to reject intimidation and stand with those who work for the nation’s good. Anita Anand deserves not fear, but our respect and protection. The true spirit of Canada calls for courage in the face of hate, and unity in the pursuit of peace.
The writer is the Managing Director of Radio India, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
