India, June 3 -- Former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper has called on the country's political parties to "sever relations" with separatist forces targeting India.

Harper made these remarks while speaking at 5th Canada India Charity Gala organised by the organisation Impact Media and Events Coordination (IMEC) in Brampton over the weekend, where the former PM was honoured with the Global Impact Award.

"Canada cannot have that strong relationship unless the governing party, and frankly, any political party that aspires to government, unless they sever relations with those who seek to bring the battles of India's past to Canada," he told the audience at the event, according to local media reports.

He also called upon political part...