Trudeau accuses India of supporting crimes in Canada

 

There is growing concern that the India-Canada diplomatic 'war' that started with the Canadian government's move to impeach officials including the Indian High Commissioner in the case of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder is intensifying. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in a press conference that there is evidence that 6 officials, including the Indian High Commissioner, were involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poliev also demanded that the allegations are serious and that the perpetrators should be brought to justice. Pierre Poliave accused the Trudeau government of failing to protect its people for 9 years and not taking national security and foreign intervention seriously. Commissioner Mike Duhem told reporters in Ottawa that they have also gathered evidence that Indian diplomats and consular officials based in Canada have used their official positions to gather information for the Indian government directly or through their proxies. He also said that individuals and businesses are coerced and threatened to work for the Indian government.

 Trudeau alleged that the evidence had been shared with India in recent days, which India had denied. The Canadian Prime Minister also said that the diplomats were expelled because India did not cooperate with the investigation. Trudeau said that India and Canada have had good relations for decades, but added that issues affecting Canada's security cannot be tolerated. Trudeau said that he understands the concerns of the Indian community in Canada about the current developments, but also explained that such measures are necessary for Canada's security.

India is of the position that it will give a strong reply to Canada. The decision of the central government is to strongly oppose the Canadian move to impeach the Indian officials. After India expelled six Canadian officials, Canada also asked the Indian High Commissioner to leave the country. The Canadian police has accused Indian officials of spying and involvement in the violence. India has decided to raise Canada's support to terrorist groups on the world stage. The expulsion of senior officials by both countries is likely to affect procedures including visas. Canada demanded that South Asians including Indians in Canada maintain peace. Canada withdrew more than 40 diplomats from India in October 2023. Shortly after Canada's allegations, the US claimed that Indian agents were involved in an attempt to assassinate another Sikh separatist leader in New York in 2023.