Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada responded to the Indian government's decision to recall its high commissioner and other diplomats from Canada. Trudeau stated that the safety of Canadians is his highest priority as their leader, and he will not hesitate to take all necessary actions to safeguard them. However, he remained silent about the Khalistani terror activities brewing in Canada, which are anti-India in nature.
During a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau mentioned that, as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) commissioner had previously declared, there is concrete evidence implicating agents of the Indian government in activities threatening public security. This includes the use of espionage techniques to gather intelligence, targeting South Asian Canadians, and involvement in intimidatory actions, including a range of violent acts.
He asserted that Canada, a nation of laws, places the safety of its citizens as paramount. Therefore, upon receiving credible allegations from legal and intelligence agencies about Indian government agents being directly involved in the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar within Canadian territory, immediate action was taken.
Trudeau recalled that efforts by the RCMP and national security officers to collaborate with the Indian government on this matter were repeatedly rebuffed by India. Consequently, Canadian officials took decisive steps by consulting with Indian counterparts, sharing evidence that India's six identified agents were persons of interest in criminal activities, yet India offered no cooperation despite numerous requests.
He voiced strong objection to India's alleged activities in Canada, expressing awareness of past events but emphasizing that recent revelations have shaken many Canadian citizens, particularly those of Indian origin and the Sikh communities. Many feel angered, concerned, and fearful, which should not be the case. Historically, Canada and India have shared long-standing relations not only in trade but also through significant interpersonal ties between their people. Canada fully respects India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and expects reciprocation regarding Canada's sovereignty.
Trudeau reassured those whose security is potentially compromised, emphasizing that it's his responsibility to ensure protective actions are undertaken. When discussing with PM Modi last week, Trudeau highlighted the significance of an imminent meeting in Singapore between both nations' National Security Advisors.
He also stated unequivocally that thinking the Indian government could endorse criminal activities against Canadians on Canadian soil, whether extortion or homicide, is profoundly misplaced and unacceptable. The RCMP has resolved to dismantle the operations where false data about Canadians was being passed to criminal organizations, leading to attacks on Canadian citizens. No democratic nation should tolerate sovereignty violations.
Trudeau enumerated that the strained relations between Canada and India resulted from necessity rather than choice. India stands as a vital democratic partner with which Canada shares deep-rooted connections amidst instability. Therefore, upon intelligence indication of potential Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing on Canadian soil, the Canadian government chose to engage with India for rectification.
Trudeau expressed his reluctance to confront but stressed non-negotiable issues like the murder of a Canadian on domestic grounds cannot be overlooked. At every stage, India was kept informed, and Trudeau personally discussed the matter with PM Modi. However, disappointingly, from his speech in the House of Commons last year until now, responses from the Indian government have centered around denials and personal attacks, extending to challenges against the Canadian government, officials, and agencies. Canada demands clarity on the investigation progress, with citizen protection as the utmost priority.
India decided to recall its high commissioner and other diplomats from Canada, while also expelling six Canadian diplomats. These individuals were required to leave by midnight on October 19.
Earlier, India rejected a Canadian diplomatic communication asserting allegations labeling India's high commissioner and other officials as persons of interest in Khalistani sympathizer Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder last year.
