The external affairs ministry summoned the Canadian high commissioner on Saturday to register India’s protest over “the actions of separatist and extremist elements” against India’s diplomatic mission and consulates in Canada.

The immediate provocation for Saturday’s summoning was the protest by advocates of Khalistan outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver. “Hundreds of protesters waved bright yellow flags in front of Vancouver’s Indian consulate downtown on Saturday to protest crackdowns targeting Sikhs in Punjab, India,” Global News reported.

According to the ministry, India sought an explanation on how such elements were allowed, in the presence of police, to breach the security of the diplomatic mission and consulates.

“It is expected that the Canadian government will take all steps which are required to ensure the safety of our diplomats and security of our diplomatic premises so that they are able to fulfil their normal diplomatic functions,” the ministry said.