Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, indicated on Wednesday that India had infringed upon Canadian sovereignty. “We had clear and now ever-clearer indications that India had violated Canada’s sovereignty,” he asserted. During his testimony at Canada’s foreign interference inquiry, Trudeau conceded that his allegation regarding Indian officials’ involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was based on intelligence, not concrete evidence.
Trudeau revealed that Canada had requested India’s cooperation, but India demanded proof. “We asked Indian security agencies to investigate further and cooperate with us. At that point, what we had was intelligence,” Trudeau said. He mentioned discussing the intelligence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G-20 summit. According to Trudeau, Modi expressed concerns about individuals in Canada who speak against the Indian government and sought their arrest.
Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated significantly after Canada informed New Delhi that senior diplomats were “persons of interest” in Nijjar’s murder investigation. India’s response was one of anger, labeling the allegations as “preposterous imputations.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strongly worded statement on Monday, attributing Trudeau’s allegations to his political agenda and vote bank politics.
“India made a horrific mistake,” declared Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he accused India of violating Canada’s sovereignty, amidst an escalating diplomatic row over the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Testifying at an inquiry on the alleged… pic.twitter.com/xBG8Tfdzpn
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) October 17, 2024
The MEA’s statement read, “We received a diplomatic communication from Canada suggesting that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats are ‘persons of interest’ in a matter related to an investigation in that country. The Government of India strongly rejects these preposterous imputations and ascribes them to the political agenda of the Trudeau Government that is centred around vote bank politics.” The statement also noted Trudeau’s longstanding hostility towards India, referencing his 2018 visit aimed at gaining favour with certain voter groups, which backfired. It highlighted that his Cabinet included individuals associated with extremist and separatist agendas against India.
In response, India recalled several of its diplomats and expelled six Canadian diplomats. While Canada has accused Indian officials of being involved in Nijjar’s murder, India has categorically denied the claim, demanding evidence to support such serious allegations. New Delhi maintains that Canada has yet to provide any proof of India’s involvement.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian reports that Justin Trudeau accused India of making a “horrific mistake” in violating Canadian sovereignty, amid escalating diplomatic tensions over a Sikh separatist’s assassination and alleged intimidation.(read more)
- SCMP – Justin Trudeau asserts clear indications of India violating Canada’s sovereignty, amid escalating tensions over the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and alleged Indian government involvement.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Justin Trudeau accuse India of?
Violating Canada’s sovereignty.
What was Trudeau’s allegation based on?
Intelligence, not concrete evidence.
How did India react to Trudeau’s accusations?
India labeled the allegations as ‘preposterous imputations’ and attributed them to Trudeau’s political agenda.
What action did India take in response to the accusations?
India recalled several diplomats and expelled six Canadian diplomats.
Has Canada provided proof of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s murder?
No, Canada has not provided any proof.