Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, has denied trying to provoke the Indian government with claims that Indian agents may be linked to the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau urged New Delhi to take the “credible allegations” seriously and stated that Canada is not looking to provoke or escalate tensions.
Modi’s office dismissed Trudeau’s comments as “absurd and motivated,” leading to tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions between the two countries. The allegations have strained the relationship between Canada and India, resulting in the pause of talks about a free trade agreement.
The allegations have also sparked anger and concern within Canada’s Sikh community. Some members of the community believe that India’s government has targeted them with espionage and disinformation for their support of the Khalistan independence movement. Mukhbir Singh, a director for the World Sikh Organization of Canada, stated that “India cannot be allowed to disregard the rule of law and the sovereignty of foreign states.”
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in June on the grounds of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, one of the largest Sikh temples in North America. The Vancouver suburb of Surrey, where the temple is located, represents Canada’s largest Sikh enclave. Some Sikh community members expressed anger and sadness over Nijjar’s death, describing him as a kind and friendly person.
Jagmeet Singh, the leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party and a Sikh himself, asked Prime Minister Trudeau what actions would be taken to protect those faced with violent threats from foreign entities. He also requested an investigation into India’s foreign interference in Canada.
Trudeau has not provided any further evidence to support his claims since making them on Monday. He is expected to arrive in New York later on Tuesday for the UN General Assembly, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be absent.
The reaction from Canada’s allies has been relatively muted. Prior to Trudeau’s revelation, Ottawa held talks with some allies, including members of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group, about how to handle the situation. However, none of the allies made any public statements prior to Trudeau’s disclosure. The US and Australia expressed concern after Trudeau’s speech, while the UK stated that it was in contact with Canada regarding the “serious allegations.”
It is important to note that Washington concluded it would be inappropriate to comment on the investigation due to legal implications and did not join Ottawa in announcing the conclusion of the Canadian investigation. The White House expressed concern after Trudeau’s speech.
The situation between Canada and India remains tense as both countries navigate the aftermath of Trudeau’s allegations. The impact on bilateral relations and future discussions, such as the free trade agreement, is still uncertain.