Diplomatic Clash: India Hits Back at Trudeau’s Allegations

India-Canada relations continue to deteriorate as New Delhi issued a firm rebuttal against Canada’s recent move to name Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation into the 2023 killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Background of the Conflict

Diplomatic tensions began in September 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in Nijjar’s killing. India dismissed the claim as "absurd" and accused the Canadian government of using unsubstantiated allegations to cater to its political base, given the pro-Khalistan sentiments among some groups in Canada.

High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, a seasoned diplomat, was among those targeted in Canada’s investigation. India condemned the allegations as “preposterous” and stated that this was an intentional attempt by Canada to malign Indian officials.

India’s Response to Escalating Tensions

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized in its statement that Trudeau’s government was pursuing vote-bank politics by indulging separatist elements. India reiterated that the Canadian government has failed to provide any evidence linking Indian diplomats to the crime, despite multiple requests.

The MEA further accused Canada of offering a haven to extremists advocating for violence and rejecting multiple Indian extradition requests. It warned that future diplomatic steps would depend on Canada’s willingness to act against pro-Khalistan activities on its soil.

Political Implications

This exchange follows a brief meeting between Modi and Trudeau at the ASEAN Summit, where no significant progress was made. Canada’s Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, described relations with India as “tense,” raising concerns that the situation may worsen.

India has made it clear that normalization of relations will require Canada to curtail the operations of Khalistani elements, which it says are linked to organized crime and extremist activities.

Conclusion

The latest diplomatic developments highlight the deep-rooted tensions between India and Canada. Both countries now find themselves at a crossroads, with diplomatic solutions seeming increasingly difficult. As the row continues, the global community will closely watch how this geopolitical friction unfolds.

Reference From : www.ndtv.com