GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd Nov. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shared clips of his Diwali celebrations on Sunday amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
“Happy Diwali! So many special moments shared celebrating with the community this week,” Trudeau wrote in a post on X. In a video shared online, he is seen receiving religious threads tied around his wrist, gifted from three Hindu temples in Canada.
“I got these bracelets when I was in three different Hindu temples over the past few months. They are good luck,” he remarked, adding that the threads would provide him with “protection.” He noted, “I’m not taking them off till they fall off.”
Trudeau also enjoyed a plate of jalebis, joking that he would “save it for the team.” Earlier, on October 31, he had extended Diwali greetings to Canadians, stating, “Today, we join millions of people in Canada and around the world to celebrate Diwali.” He acknowledged the contributions of the Indo-Canadian community, emphasizing that “Diwali in Canada would not be possible without our incredible Indo-Canadian community.”
Trudeau highlighted the importance of the festival to Hindu Canadians, noting that the Indo-Canadian community represents one of Canada’s largest and most diverse diasporas. “On Diwali, we celebrate them and the light they carry across Canada’s communities,” he said.
Despite these festive sentiments, diplomatic tensions between India and Canada continue to escalate. Relations have deteriorated since September 2023, following Trudeau’s public accusation that India was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim that India has vehemently denied. Indian officials have repeatedly stated that there is “no shred of evidence” linking the Indian government to the incident.
In response to the escalating tensions, India withdrew six of its diplomats from Canada, citing safety concerns, which prompted Canada to respond in kind. The ongoing diplomatic strain continues to overshadow celebrations within the Indo-Canadian community as they observe the festival of lights.
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