Canadian PM Justin Trudeau claimed that his country is committed to building closer ties with India despite “credible allegations” of the Indian government’s involvement in the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar as reported by The National Post.
Trudeau’s Remarks
During a press conference in Montreal, Trudeau stated that it is “extremely important” for Canada and its allies to continue to engage “constructively and seriously with India given its growing importance on the world stage.”
Highlighting that India is a growing economic power and an important geopolitical player, he added, “And as we presented with our Indo-Pacific strategy just last year, we’re very serious about building closer ties with India.”
“At the same time, obviously, as a rule of law country, we need to emphasize that India needs to work with Canada to ensure that we get the full facts of this matter,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Trudeau said he got assurances from the US that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken would raise allegations made publicly concerning India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing during a meeting with his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar on Thursday in Washington, DC.
Trudeau reiterated, “The Americans have been with us in speaking to the Indian government about how important it is that they be involved in following up on the credible allegations that agents of the Indian government killed a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.”
The Canadian PM stated that all democratic countries that respect the rule of law must take this seriously. “We are moving forward in a thoughtful, responsible way anchored in the rule of law with all of our partners including in our approach to the Government of India,” he added.
India-Canada Diplomatic Row
Earlier this month, Trudeau told the Canadian parliament about “credible allegations” of Indian agents being involved in Nijjar’s killing in June in British Columbia. Subsequently, India dismissed these claims as “absurd” and “motivated.”
Later, both countries expelled each other’s diplomats in a tit-for-tat move. Last week, India also suspended visa services for Canadians, citing security concerns at its diplomatic missions in the North American nation.
Meanwhile, Canada has amended its travel advisory for its residents in India, advising them to “stay vigilant and exercise caution” in light of recent developments, including calls for protests and “negative sentiment” towards Canada on social media.
The newest development in the diplomatic disagreement involves reports that the US provided intelligence to Canada following Nijjar’s killing, but conversations intercepted by Ottawa were more conclusive, leading to accusing India of organising the murder.
The US urged India to cooperate with Canada in its investigations. At a press conference, Blinken stated, “It would be important that India work with the Canadians on this investigation. We want to see accountability.”
Amid Nijjar Killing Row, PM Trudeau Says Canada Committed to Closer Ties with India
Trudeau stated that it is “extremely important” for Canada and its allies to continue to engage “constructively and seriously with India given its growing importance on the world stage.”
September 29, 2023
IMAGE SOURCE: TWITTERCanadian PM Justin Trudeau (L) with Indian PM Narendra Modi.