On 19 Sept, Indian electronic brand boAt withdrew its sponsorship from the upcoming tour of Canada-based Punjabi Singer Shubhneet Singh aka Shubh. This decision comes in response to Shubh’s support for Khalistani radicals and distortion of India’s map. Following boAt’s move, BookMyShow has also canceled the “Still Rollin Tour” for India, and initiated a complete ticket refund for all ticket purchasers. This announcement comes after the hashtag #UninstallBookMyShow started trending on the social media platform X. Shubh’s shows were scheduled at Cordelia Cruises in Mumbai from 23 to 25 September.
Boat’s decision to withdraw sponsorship is rooted in the singer’s controversial actions earlier this year. On 23 March 2023, he shared a map of India on his Instagram story, where it excluded Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and the Northeastern states. In addition to the map, the singer posted the words “Pray for Punjab,” which led to significant backlash on social media. The singer eventually deleted the map and replaced it with a message simply saying “Pray for Punjab,” without any accompanying picture.
Rising Tensions
These incident adds to the strained relations between India and Canada. Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had accused India of involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. This allegation was swiftly rejected by New Delhi as “absurd and motivated.” In response to Trudeau’s allegations, Canada’s foreign minister expelled a senior Indian diplomat, prompting India to reciprocate by expelling a high-ranking Canadian official with a five-day departure condition.
This recent development also raises questions about the trade deal between the two nations, which has already been put on hold indefinitely due to concerns related to the pro-Khalistan movement and Canada’s interference in India’s internal affairs.
In light of the deteriorating security situation in Canada and growing anti-India activities, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an advisory to Indian nationals and students in the country. They are urged to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant, especially in regions and venues that have witnessed incidents targeting Indian diplomats and those opposing the anti-India agenda.
MEA Advises Caution
The MEA advises Indian nationals and students in Canada to register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites or the MADAD portal (madad.gov.in). This registration will enable the Indian diplomatic missions to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in case of emergencies or untoward incidents.
Canada, once a preferred destination, now lie in ruins. Trudeau is facing backlash for his ‘woke’ policies such as legalisation of drugs and booming grooming gangs. The street violence are at all time high. And now falsely accusing India. Trudeau is no longer the promising leader he was once believed to be, he might get the support from his home-bread terrorists but will lose the golden opportunity of aligning with the emerging leader, India.