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Trudeau Accused of Damaging Ties
India’s Envoy Criticizes Trudeau for Damaging Bilateral Ties
Tension in India-Canada Relations
Ottawa, Canada – The relationship between India and Canada has deteriorated significantly following allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist. In an interview with CTV News, India’s envoy to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, accused Trudeau of damaging diplomatic ties between the two countries. Verma emphasized that the accusations were based solely on intelligence reports without any hard evidentiary proof and dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
Nijjar’s Death and Diplomatic Fallout
Nijjar, who was declared a terrorist by India, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year. Following his death, Trudeau accused Indian government agents of involvement in the incident. India has firmly denied any connection, labeling the allegations as “absurd” and highlighting the lack of concrete evidence. The accusations have led to a sharp decline in India-Canada relations, with both nations expelling diplomats in retaliation. India’s envoy to Canada criticized Trudeau’s approach, arguing that it has caused significant harm to the diplomatic relationship.
Diplomatic Expulsions and Withdrawals
In response to the allegations, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced the withdrawal of High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma from Canada. Ottawa reacted by expelling six Indian diplomats, further straining the ties between the two countries. The back-and-forth diplomatic measures underscore the severity of the rift between India and Canada, which was triggered by Trudeau’s claims regarding Nijjar’s killing.
Verma’s Criticism of Trudeau’s Allegations
During his interview with CTV News, Verma emphasized that Trudeau’s claims were based on intelligence rather than hard evidence. “The problem is that when he accused, he himself admitted there was no hard evidence. There was intelligence. On the basis of intelligence, if you want to destroy a relationship, be my guest. And that’s what he (Trudeau) did,” Verma remarked. He pointed out that Trudeau’s decision to speak publicly about the allegations, despite the lack of concrete proof, has led to a downward spiral in India-Canada relations.
Testimony Before the Inquiry
Last week, during a public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada’s federal electoral processes, Trudeau admitted that he lacked “hard evidentiary proof” when he accused Indian agents of being involved in Nijjar’s death. This acknowledgment further highlighted the politically motivated nature of the allegations, as Verma described them. According to Verma, the proper course of action would have been for Canada to present evidence privately, rather than make public accusations. “Evidence should have been shared first, but someone decided to stand in the Parliament and talk about a thing for which he himself has said there was ‘no hard evidence’,” he said, referring to Trudeau’s address in the Canadian Parliament in September last year.
India’s Rejection of the Allegations
New Delhi has consistently rejected Trudeau’s accusations, calling them baseless and pointing to the pro-Khalistan elements operating freely in Canada. India has criticized Canada for providing a safe haven to Khalistani separatists and other anti-India elements. The Indian government has argued that Trudeau’s accusations are a distraction from the real issue—Canada’s failure to curb the activities of pro-Khalistan groups on its soil. India has also denied any evidence-sharing from the Canadian side, contradicting claims by Ottawa that information was provided to New Delhi regarding Nijjar’s case.
Impact on Bilateral Relations
The fallout from these accusations has had a profound impact on India-Canada relations, with diplomatic ties now at their lowest point in years. Verma stated that Trudeau’s actions have ensured a downward trajectory in the relationship, which has deteriorated rapidly since the public accusations were made. The India-Canada rift illustrates how sensitive allegations, especially those made without substantial proof, can have serious consequences for bilateral ties. Despite the tensions, India has continued to emphasize the importance of addressing pro-Khalistan activities in Canada as a precondition for improving relations.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from interviews, official statements, and media reports. It aims to provide an overview of the diplomatic tensions between India and Canada following allegations related to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Readers are encouraged to refer to official government announcements and news sources for the latest updates on India-Canada relations.
