The relations between India and Canada have reached a peak of tension. The murder of Khalistani Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last year and the allegations by the Canadian government implicating India are now widely known, contributing to the strain between the two nations. Both countries have expelled six of each other's diplomats. Meanwhile, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau once again accused India in a press conference.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during a press conference, began to lay out a series of accusations against India. He said that last year's events and today's revelations have deeply shaken many, particularly Canadian citizens of Indian descent and the Sikh community. Many are angry, troubled, and fearful. I understand; this should not have happened.
Key points of Trudeau's statement:
- PM Trudeau stated that Canada is a nation that believes in law, and the safety of our citizens is paramount. As a result, when our legal agencies and intelligence officers made credible allegations that agents of the Indian government were directly involved in the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, we took immediate action.
- Trudeau highlighted that, as previously stated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner, there is substantial evidence that Indian government agents are involved in activities threatening public safety. These include techniques for gathering intelligence, targeting South Asian Canadian citizens, and involvement in dozens of cases including intimidation, violent acts, and murder.
- He remarked that engaging in intimidation or murder of any Canadian citizen is intolerable and represents a breach of Canada's sovereignty and international norms.
- Trudeau noted that the RCMP and national security officers attempted to work collaboratively with the Indian government on this matter, but India repeatedly refused. In response, Canadian officials took significant steps by meeting with Indian officials and sharing evidence compiled by the RCMP that indicated six Indian agents were persons of interest in criminal activities. Despite repeated requests, the Indian government did not cooperate.
Source: aajtak
- Trudeau emphasized that as Prime Minister, it is his responsibility to reassure those who feel their security is compromised, but more importantly, to act.
- He acknowledged Canada and India's long-standing history of mutual relations and trade. However, what we are witnessing today cannot be tolerated. We fully respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity and expect similar respect from them.
- If the Indian government believes it can support criminal activities on Canadian soil against Canadian citizens, whether it be murder or extortion, such thinking is absolutely unacceptable.
- Trudeau asserted that the RCMP had to dismantle a pattern involving Indian diplomats and criminal organizations where false information was gathered about Canadian citizens, which was then transmitted to criminal organizations, resulting in attacks on Canadian citizens.
- Justin Trudeau mentioned that last week he spoke with PM Modi, telling him that the upcoming meeting between the national security advisors (NSA) of both countries in Singapore was crucial. He was aware of the meeting, and I informed him that it should be taken with utmost seriousness.
- He concluded by stating that he personally discussed the matter with PM Modi. Unfortunately, since my statement in the House of Commons last year, the Indian government's response has been to deny and refute the entire issue, to personally attack me, and to question the Canadian government, our officials, and our agencies.
