Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Mr. Justin Trudeau reportedly has remarked on the seriousness of strengthening relations with India, despite the ongoing diplomatic dispute.
Tensions escalated when, on September 19, 2023, Mr. Trudeau mentioned an ongoing Canadian investigation into credible accusations of India’s role in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. India dismissed the claim as “absurd.”
Mr. Hardeep Singh Nijjar was fatally shot outside a temple in Canada in June 2023.
The Canadian Prime Minister highlighted the significant need for constructive and serious engagement with India.
Tensions between the two countries became evident during the G20 summit in Delhi on September 9, 2023, when Mr. Trudeau chose not to attend an official leaders’ dinner.
The Canadian PM had a brief meeting with Indian PM Mr. Narendra Modi, but experts noted their body language appeared “frosty.”
A few days later, Mr. Trudeau informed the Canadian parliament that they were investigating credible accusations of Indian agents being involved in Mr. Nijjar’s murder.
Both countries have expelled one diplomat from the other nation. India also halted visa services for Canadians last week, citing security concerns at its diplomatic offices in the country.
Mr. Trudeau emphasised the importance of relations with India while also stating that the murder investigation would proceed.
India has maintained that it was not involved in the murder. They also mentioned that Mr. Nijjar had been labelled a terrorist by Delhi in 2020, an accusation strongly denied by his supporters.
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