Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Accuses India of Involvement in Murder of Hardeep Nijhar
Trudeau alleges Indian government's role in the killing of Hardeep Nijhar in Canada, prompting diplomatic tension between nations
CANADA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made a grave accusation, asserting that agents of the Indian government were involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijhar, within British Columbia, Canada in June. Trudeau made these statements during a session in the Canadian Parliament, underlining his concern and need for further investigation.
Trudeau informed the Parliament that he had raised this concerning issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their interaction at the G-20 meeting held in India on September 9-10. He substantiated his allegations, stating they were based on intelligence received by the Canadian government. Additionally, Canada's Foreign Minister, Melanie Jolly, revealed that the Canadian government had deported an Indian diplomat, formerly heading the Indian intelligence agency in Canada. However, specific details about this diplomat were not disclosed by Jolly.
The Canadian Prime Minister emphasized that the involvement of any foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is a breach of the nation's sovereignty. Trudeau expressed his determination to exert pressure on the Indian government to collaborate in the investigation of this murder. He highlighted the deep concerns and outrage among the substantial Sikh population of Indian origin residing in Canada, numbering between 1.4 to 1.8 million citizens, most of whom are Sikhs. The leader of Canada's opposition New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh, is also from the Sikh community.
Notably, The Already strained relations between Canada and India have taken a further hit due to these allegations by the Canadian PM. Earlier this month, Canada suspended talks on a trade deal with India. This accusation is expected to escalate tensions and could have implications for diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the G-20 summit, PM Modi notably declined bilateral talks with Justin Trudeau, indicating the underlying strain in diplomatic engagements.