Canadian PM Trudeau Stresses Importance of Engaging with India Amidst Controversy

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has emphasized the significance of maintaining constructive relations with India, despite recent allegations surrounding the murder case of Canada-based pro-Khalistan hardliner Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Speaking at a press conference in Montreal, Trudeau underscored the growing importance of India on the global stage and Canada’s commitment to building closer ties with the nation.

“India is a growing economic power and important geopolitical player. And as we presented with our Indo-Pacific strategy, just last year, we’re very serious about building closer ties with India,” Trudeau stated.

Trudeau also mentioned the need for India to collaborate with Canada to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the matter while emphasizing the importance of the rule of law.

Furthermore, the Canadian Prime Minister revealed that he had received assurances from the United States regarding their involvement in raising the issue with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

“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,” Trudeau said.

In the Canadian Parliament on September 18, Trudeau had indicated that Canadian security agencies were actively pursuing “credible allegations of a potential link” between India and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was fatally shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18.

India has vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as “absurd and motivated.”

In response to Trudeau’s accusations, Jaishankar, who is currently on a visit to the United States, clarified that this was not the policy of the government of India. He stated that India had already conveyed to Ottawa its willingness to examine any specific and relevant information.

This controversy has led to a diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, resulting in the expulsion of senior diplomats from both countries and the issuance of travel advisories.