Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has leveled serious accusations against India, suggesting that the country has committed a “massive mistake” that Canada cannot overlook, particularly if New Delhi was involved in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian territory last year.
Two days following accusations from Canadian officials that India was implicated in homicides, extortions, and other violent acts against Indian dissidents within Canada, Trudeau made his remarks.
Following Canada’s allegations on Monday, both nations responded by expelling senior diplomats, further escalating their already heightened tensions.
India has dismissed the allegations as “preposterous” and has accused Trudeau of catering to Canada’s significant Sikh community for political advantage.
On Wednesday, India responded with anger, labeling Trudeau’s conduct as “cavalier.”
“The Canadian government has failed to provide any evidence to substantiate the serious allegations it has made against India and its diplomats,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the foreign ministry, in a recent statement.
“Prime Minister Trudeau bears sole responsibility for the damage inflicted on India-Canada relations due to this reckless behavior.”
During his statements at a public inquiry examining foreign interference in Canadian politics, Trudeau expressed criticism regarding India’s reaction to the investigation surrounding the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.
Trudeau stated that he was informed about the murder later that summer and received intelligence indicating that India’s involvement in the killing was “incredibly clear.”
He emphasized the importance of Canada taking seriously any purported infringement of its sovereignty and the principles of international law.
In Surrey, British Columbia, Mr. Nijjar was shot and killed. The individual was a prominent advocate for the Khalistan movement, which sought the establishment of an independent Sikh homeland and actively campaigned in support of this cause.
During the inquiry, Trudeau stated that Canada’s intelligence at that time did not constitute hard evidence or proof.
Authorities have charged four Indian nationals in connection with the death of Mr. Nijjar.
Trudeau expressed his desire to manage the situation “in a responsible way” to avoid escalating tensions with a key trade partner. However, he noted that Indian officials declined Canada’s requests for help in the investigation.
“He stated that the Indian government’s strategy appeared to involve criticizing us and questioning the integrity of our democracy.”
In September, he publicly disclosed the allegations, asserting that Canada possessed “credible allegations” connecting agents of the Indian government to the murder.
On Wednesday, the prime minister provided additional information regarding new allegations made public earlier this week by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
In an unusual move, the police force has chosen to publicly reveal details regarding several ongoing investigations, citing a “significant threat to public safety” in Canada.
On Monday, the RCMP reported that there had been more than a dozen credible and imminent threats to life, specifically targeting individuals associated with the pro-Khalistan movement.
Investigations have revealed that police uncovered purported criminal activities allegedly orchestrated by agents of the Indian government, as reported by the RCMP.
Trudeau stated that the force’s announcement aimed to disrupt a series of activities leading to drive-by shootings, home invasions, violent extortion, and even murder within the South Asian community throughout Canada.
India has firmly rejected all accusations, asserting that Canada has failed to present any evidence to substantiate its allegations.
Last weekend, representatives from the RCMP and national security advisers traveled to Singapore to discuss the situation with Indian officials. However, the RCMP characterized the meeting as unproductive.
In the wake of allegations made by Canadian officials on Monday, both the United Kingdom and the United States have called on India to collaborate with Canada’s legal proceedings.
On Wednesday, the British Foreign Office issued a statement confirming its communication with Ottawa regarding the significant developments highlighted in the independent investigations taking place in Canada.
The statement emphasized that the UK holds complete confidence in Canada’s judicial system.
“India’s collaboration with Canada’s legal proceedings represents a significant and appropriate advancement.”
The United States, a key ally of Canada, expressed disappointment over India’s lack of cooperation with Canadian authorities, contrary to the White House’s expectations.
During a briefing on Tuesday, spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the gravity of the allegations, stating, “We have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious and they need to be taken seriously. We want to see the government of India cooperate with Canada in its investigation.”
“It is clear that they have not opted for that direction.”
Melanie Joly, Canada’s foreign minister, has confirmed that Ottawa is maintaining close communication with the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which includes the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, regarding the issue at hand.
