Canada and India are currently experiencing heightened diplomatic tensions. Canada initially postponed a trade mission and later expelled an Indian diplomat on Monday following a statement by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, suggesting that agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This is a significant allegation. Sikh organizations in Canada had previously made similar claims against the Indian government. Nijjar was killed in June.
Trudeau stated that Canadian security agencies are investigating the allegations of Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s killing. Canada’s Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, announced the expulsion of the Indian High Commissioner, stating, “If the allegations are true, it would be a serious violation of our sovereignty and fundamental principles that free, open, and democratic societies operate on.”
Trudeau further stated, “As you would expect, we are working closely with our partners on this serious matter, and we are coordinating our efforts.” In fact, he had a conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden regarding this issue.
According to CBC News, Trudeau also urged the Indian government to “cooperate fully to get to the bottom of this.” He claimed that some Indo-Canadian individuals are “unhappy” and “perhaps even afraid at this point.” The situation requires a change.
On the other hand, India rejected Trudeau’s allegations on Tuesday, September 19, as “ridiculous and inflammatory.”
