Canada Investigates Links Between Sikh Leader’s Killing and India’s Government, Straining Relations
In a major development in the ongoing political row between Canada and India, Canada is investigating potential links between the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and India’s government. This investigation has further escalated tensions between the two countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that officials were looking into “credible allegations of a potential link” between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s killing. Nijjar, a Sikh activist, was fatally shot by two masked assailants outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18.
India’s foreign ministry responded to Trudeau’s remarks by expressing concern for the safety of its citizens in Canada, citing “politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence.” It issued a travel advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid regions and venues in Canada that have seen incidents of violence.
The tit-for-tat response continued when Canada flatly rejected an Indian travel advisory urging “utmost caution” when visiting the country. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc called Canada a safe country and assured reporters that there was no need for concern.
The strained relations between Canada and India were on full display during Trudeau’s visit to New Delhi for the G20 summit earlier this month. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi confronted Trudeau over Sikh-led protests in Canada, accusing them of promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats.
The Sikh separatist movement in Canada has faced accusations of terrorism and extremism by the Indian authorities. India has long criticized Canada for harboring individuals it considers Sikh “terrorists and extremists.” Canada, home to the largest Sikh population outside of India, denies these allegations.
The investigation into Nijjar’s killing and its potential links to the Indian government has put Canada’s allies, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, in a delicate position. These countries have sought to strengthen their ties with India in recent years.
While Canada has not released the evidence supporting its investigation, Trudeau defended his decision to go public with the probe, stating it came after months of deliberation and consultation with allies. The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have expressed their concern over the allegations and are closely coordinating with Canada on this matter.
The situation between Canada and India continues to evolve, with both countries engaging in a war of words and escalating tensions. The investigation into Nijjar’s killing and its potential links to the Indian government adds another layer of complexity to the strained relations between the two nations.