Former Pentagon Official Asserts U.S. Would Choose India Over Canada If Forced to Decide
In a recent statement, former Pentagon official Michael Rubin expressed concerns about the impact of allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the relationship between Canada and India. According to Rubin, these allegations could have more significant consequences for Canada than for India, and the United States may prioritize its relationship with India over Canada due to its strategic importance.
Rubin emphasized that India holds greater strategic importance for the United States compared to Canada. He likened Canada’s decision to pick a fight with India to “an ant picking up a fight against an elephant.” India, as the world’s largest democracy, plays a crucial role in global affairs, especially as concerns regarding China and the Indian Ocean basin continue to grow.
Trudeau’s allegations stem from his assertion that India was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, India has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated.” Trudeau has yet to provide concrete evidence to support his claims, despite repeated inquiries.
Rubin criticized Trudeau’s stance and argued that Nijjar, the alleged Khalistani terrorist, was not a suitable symbol for human rights. He pointed out Nijjar’s involvement in the assassination of a rival Sikh leader and his participation in multiple attacks. Nijjar had also entered Canada using a fraudulent passport, raising questions about his intentions. Rubin emphasized that Trudeau’s attempt to frame this as a human rights issue was misguided, as Nijjar’s actions did not align with the principles of human rights.
Moreover, Rubin noted that many individuals in both the U.S. and Canadian security communities believed that Trudeau had crossed a line with his allegations against India. He suggested that Trudeau’s actions were driven by short-term political considerations rather than a long-term perspective on Canada’s relationship with India.
Rubin suggested that Trudeau’s actions were motivated by domestic Canadian politics, particularly in the context of his re-election campaign. Trudeau may have been courting Sikh activists in crucial swing districts, but Rubin argued that prioritizing short-term political gain over a longstanding relationship with the world’s largest democracy was unwise.
In summary, former Pentagon official Michael Rubin expressed concerns about the repercussions of Justin Trudeau’s allegations against India on Canada’s relationship with the United States and India. Rubin highlighted India’s strategic importance and warned that the United States might prioritize its relationship with India over Canada if forced to choose. He criticized Trudeau’s handling of the situation and suggested that it was driven by short-term political considerations rather than a thoughtful approach to foreign policy. The future of Canada-India relations remains uncertain, and it will be crucial for both countries to address these issues diplomatically to prevent further deterioration of their relationship.