In a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic spat between India and Canada, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement late at night, firmly stating its stance on the crisis. The ministry placed the blame for the worsening diplomatic relations squarely on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, emphasizing that “Canada has presented us with no evidence whatsoever” to support its serious allegations.
Following Mr. Trudeau’s recent testimony at the Commission of Inquiry, the Indian foreign ministry delivered a sharp rebuke in its post-midnight statement. It reiterated, “What we heard today only confirms what we have been consistently saying – Canada has not provided us with any evidence to support the serious allegations against India and its diplomats.”
In its statement, India underscored that the ongoing diplomatic crisis is primarily due to the actions of Prime Minister Trudeau, declaring that “The responsibility for the damage caused to India-Canada relations lies solely with Prime Minister Trudeau.”
TRUDEAU’S TESTIMONY SPARKS FRESH TENSIONS
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared before the Commission of Inquiry, where he acknowledged that his assertions regarding Indian government agents’ involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar were based on intelligence-based speculation rather than solid evidence.
Trudeau’s comments followed India’s swift response to his previous accusations, which included the expulsion of six senior Canadian diplomats in what India deemed a “politically motivated” act. In an attempt to turn the tables, Trudeau claimed that “The Indian government made a horrific mistake in thinking that they could interfere as aggressively as they did in the safety and sovereignty of Canada.”
During his testimony regarding foreign interference in Canadian electoral processes, Trudeau further alleged that Indian diplomats were “collecting information on Canadians who disagree with the Government of India” and sharing it with high-level officials and criminal organizations, including the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. However, he provided no evidence to support these assertions.
India’s foreign ministry responded robustly, stating at the time that “The Canadian government has not shared any evidence with us, despite our repeated requests. This pattern of making assertions without facts indicates a deliberate strategy to smear India for political purposes.
Canada’s Support for Khalistani Extremists Under Scrutiny
The crux of the issue between India and Canada stems from the fact that Canada, especially Trudeau’s administration, has been perceived as providing a haven for pro-Khalistan separatists and extremists.
The Indian government has raised concerns about Trudeau’s public support for radical elements, including attending separatist rallies and sharing the stage with known terrorists. Trudeau has defended his actions, claiming they are part of Canada’s strong commitment to freedom of speech and expression.
India has suggested that Trudeau’s support for these extremists is driven by his desire to maintain a particular vote bank crucial for his political career. The Indian government pointed out that Trudeau’s past actions suggest a longstanding hostility toward India, including his controversial visit in 2018, which was poorly received.
The Indian administration stated, “Prime Minister Trudeau’s history of appeasing extremists for electoral gains is evident. His 2018 India trip backfired as his cabinet included members closely linked with extremist groups. His intervention into India’s internal matters in December 2020 highlighted the extent of his involvement in issues related to Indian sovereignty.”
Just two days before his latest comments, Trudeau implicated the Indian High Commissioner as a “person of interest” in the investigation surrounding the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar. India responded sharply, labeling Trudeau’s accusations as “preposterous.”
Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India, was murdered outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year. His killing has intensified already existing tensions between the two nations and brought forth allegations of potential Indian government involvement, which India has categorically denied.
The confrontation between India and Canada continues to escalate, with both nations standing firm in their positions. India’s insistence on the lack of evidence to support Canada’s claims only deepens the rift. As the situation develops, the eyes of the international community remain fixed on the diplomatic fallout and its implications for bilateral relationships.
The evolving drama is a stark reminder of the complexities of diplomacy in a globalized world, where actions and rhetoric can quickly lead to unintended consequences. As both leaders navigate this tumultuous relationship, many are left wondering if a resolution is on the horizon or if tensions will continue to mount.
Through this turbulent period, one thing remains clear: the stakes are high. For India, maintaining its integrity and standing on the global stage is paramount, while for Canada, Trudeau’s government must balance its internal politics with international relations. As this story unfolds, the impact of each decision made will have lasting repercussions for both countries and beyond.
With unraveling tensions and a seemingly unyielding standoff, the relationship between India and Canada faces one of its most critical tests. Each country lays claim to its narrative, suggesting that the discord will take time to resolve fully. It remains to be seen how long both nations can withstand the pressures of this diplomatic crisis.
