Tensions Between Canada and India
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a press conference at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, addressing the ongoing tensions between Canada and India. During the conference, he reiterated his concern regarding India’s alleged role in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, emphasizing “credible reasons” to believe in Indian government involvement.
Trudeau stated, “There are credible reasons to believe that agents of the Government of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil.” He highlighted the significance of upholding the rule of law in a world where the international rules-based order matters and emphasized Canada’s commitment to rigorous and independent judicial processes.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Expressing Canada’s stance on the matter, Justin Trudeau called upon the Government of India to take the issue seriously, urging them to work together for full transparency, accountability, and justice in the case. He stressed Canada’s dedication to the rule of law and ensuring the safety of its citizens, aligning with the international rules-based order.
Justin Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to the rule of law and expressed concern over any country’s involvement in the killing of a citizen on its own soil. He emphasized allowing justice processes to unfold with utmost integrity while highlighting the seriousness of sharing these allegations in the House of Commons.
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Discussion with Prime Minister Modi
Trudeau mentioned his direct and candid conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue, where he shared his concerns unequivocally. This dialogue reflects Canada’s determination to address the matter and seek clarity.
India’s Response and Visa Processing Suspension
In response to Canada’s allegations, India’s External Affairs Ministry confirmed that Prime Minister Modi had rejected the claims when raised by Trudeau during his visit to India. The Indian government stated that Canada had not provided specific information regarding the allegations, emphasizing the importance of Canada taking action against those facing terrorism-related charges.
Significantly, India’s visa processing center in Canada suspended its services with immediate effect, marking a notable development in the ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Advisory to Indian Nationals and Students
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian nationals and students in Canada to exercise caution and vigilance, particularly in regions and venues witnessing growing anti-India activities.
Justin Trudeau had initially alleged on Monday that the Indian government was involved in the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on June 18.
Seeking Clarity and Resolution
As the diplomatic tensions continue, both countries seek clarity and resolution to the matter, emphasizing the importance of adherence to international rules and the rule of law.
"As I said on Monday, there are credible reasons to believe that agents of the Goverment of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil. That is ...there is something of utmost foundational importance in a country's rule of law in a world where international rules-based order matters...we have rigorous and independent judges and robust processes.."
"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.""I think it is important that as a country with a strong, independent justice system ... we allow those justice processes to unfold themselves with the utmost integrity. but I assure this decision to share these allegations on the floor in the House of Commons on Monday morning was not made lightly and was done with utmost seriousness."
"I had a direct and frank conversation, with the Prime Minister (Modi), in which I shared my concerns in no uncertain terms..."
