Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada has extended a conciliatory hand towards India amid a burgeoning diplomatic dispute, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to uncovering the truth rather than seeking provocation. In a bid to resolve the escalating tensions following the killing of a Khalistani extremist leader, Trudeau urged India to treat the matter with the utmost seriousness and cooperate with Ottawa in a pursuit for transparency and justice.
Speaking on the matter, Justin Trudeau stated, “We call upon the government of India to take seriously this matter and to work with us to shed full transparency and ensure accountability and justice in this matter.”
He underscored Canada’s dedication to the rule of law and the international rules-based order, stressing the government’s primary focus on safeguarding its citizens. Trudeau, currently attending the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, maintained that his government had no intentions of inciting conflict or confrontation with India.
Trudeau further elaborated, “We’re not looking to provoke or cause problems. But we are unequivocal around the importance of the rule of law and unequivocal about the importance of protecting Canadians.”
This diplomatic rift between India and Canada erupted following Trudeau’s allegations of potential involvement by Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an incident that took place on Canadian soil in June 18 in British Columbia. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. India vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as “absurd” and “motivated,” leading to the expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat in response to Canada’s expulsion of an Indian official in the ongoing dispute.
Trudeau reiterated the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “Of course, there are credible allegations that we need to take extremely seriously…” He emphasized Canada’s rigorous and independent justice system and called on the Indian government to engage in a collaborative effort to uncover the truth of the matter.
Regarding his prior conversations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the New Delhi G20 summit on September 10, Trudeau affirmed that he had expressed his concerns explicitly. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs had already dismissed Trudeau’s allegations.
Trudeau emphasized the importance of allowing the justice processes to unfold independently and with integrity, emphasizing that sharing these allegations in the House of Commons was not done lightly. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to upholding the international rules-based order and its determination to protect its citizens.
Responding to questions about the stance of Canada’s allies on the issue, Trudeau underlined Canada’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the international community’s shared interest in preventing any country from being involved in the killing of a citizen on foreign soil.
As tensions rise and India suspends visa services for Canadians, the international community watches closely as the two nations navigate this complex diplomatic challenge.
