Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statements in Parliament, along with those of the Foreign Minister, have sparked controversy by alleging India’s involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar (a person India has designated as a terrorist).
India has promptly rejected these allegations, labelling them as both absurd and motivated in a statement issued by an Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson. This escalating diplomatic tension brings into focus the broader issue of Canada’s stance on Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have found refuge within its borders.
The Indian government’s response to the allegations is clear and unequivocal.
They stated,
“Allegations of the Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated.”
“These allegations were also previously made by the Canadian Prime Minister to his Indian counterpart and were met with a complete rejection by the Indian government,” the statement reads.
India, a democratic nation with a strong commitment to the rule of law, firmly believes that unsubstantiated allegations serve to divert attention from the pressing issue at hand: the presence of Khalistani terrorists and extremists in Canada, who pose a significant threat to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Indian government has expressed longstanding concerns regarding the Canadian government’s inaction in addressing this critical matter.
One of the most disconcerting aspects of this issue is the open sympathy expressed by certain Canadian political figures for these elements. Such sympathies only add to the concerns of the Indian government and raise questions about the depth of Canada’s commitment to countering extremism.
The allegations against India come at a time when Canada faces criticism for providing a haven for various illegal activities, including murders, human trafficking, and organised crime.
It is essential to note that India categorically rejects any attempts to connect the Government of India to such developments. The Indian government maintains that its priorities lie in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the international community.
The statement further says,
“India urges the Government of Canada to take prompt and effective legal action against all anti-India elements operating from Canadian soil.”
“It is imperative for Canada to address these concerns seriously and to ensure that its territory is not exploited by individuals or groups with malicious intentions,”
The Canadian PM Trudeau’s allegations and subsequent rebuttal underscore the need for both countries to engage in open and constructive dialogue to address these pressing issues. A cooperative approach is crucial in countering the threat posed by extremism and in strengthening the longstanding ties between India and Canada.
The focus must now shift to addressing the presence of Khalistani terrorists and extremists within Canada, a matter that has been a cause for concern for India for some time. Global communities can only hope that Canada will take proactive steps to address these concerns and cooperate with India in tackling the challenges posed by terrorism and extremism.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.