Trudeau accuses India of using diplomats, organized crime against Canadians.
India has firmly dismissed the allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, asserting that they lack credible evidence. In response to the escalating diplomatic tensions, the Indian government has requested Canadian diplomats to exit the country by 11:59 PM on October 19. This decision underscores India’s stance on maintaining its sovereignty and countering what it perceives as unfounded accusations. The diplomatic spat comes amid ongoing concerns about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada, further complicating relations between the two countries. The situation remains fluid as both nations navigate this challenging diplomatic landscape.
Washington: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has leveled serious accusations against India, claiming that the Indian government has opted to use its diplomats and organized crime to intimidate Canadian citizens and undermine their safety on Canadian soil. He referred to this as a “monumental mistake” on the part of New Delhi.
Trudeau’s remarks came on a day marked by escalating diplomatic tensions, as India expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced the withdrawal of its High Commissioner from Canada along with other “targeted” officials. This action followed India’s strong rejection of Ottawa’s allegations linking its envoy to the investigation into the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response, Canada also announced the expulsion of six Indian diplomats, intensifying the diplomatic standoff between the two nations.
The strained relations between India and Canada can be traced back to Trudeau’s allegations made in September of the previous year, where he suggested a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s assassination. This incident has become a focal point in the deteriorating diplomatic ties, with both sides exchanging accusations.
During a press conference on Monday, Trudeau addressed the media shortly after the head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) presented alarming allegations implicating agents of the Indian government in what he described as “widespread violence” in Canada, including homicides. The RCMP warned that this situation poses a “serious threat to our public safety,” according to reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
and even more, to create acts of violence and even murder. It’s unacceptable,” Trudeau declared emphatically. He further elaborated that since the allegations first emerged, Canada has been collaborating closely with its Five Eyes partners, particularly the United States, noting that they have also faced similar behaviors from India regarding attempted extrajudicial killings.
Trudeau expressed a commitment to working with allies to uphold the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of a collective stance against such actions. However, the U.S. State Department has remained silent on the ongoing diplomatic crisis between its two close allies, Canada and India, leaving some observers questioning the implications for international relations in the region.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India issued a statement asserting its right to take further actions in response to what it described The MEA’s statement pointed out that Trudeau’s past interactions, including his visit to India in 2018, were aimed at winning favor with a vote bank but ultimately backfired.
Additionally, the MEA referenced Trudeau’s interference in Indian internal politics in December 2020, illustrating how far he has gone in this regard. The Indian government’s response reflects its growing frustration with what it perceives as unwarranted accusations and interference in its domestic affairs.
During the press conference, Trudeau described the current situation as “extremely undesirable,” acknowledging the complexities of the diplomatic landscape and the need for ongoing dialogue to address the concerns raised by both parties. As the diplomatic standoff continues, the international community watches closely, anticipating further developments in this contentious bilateral relationship. The incident underscores the delicate balance of power and the challenges faced by nations navigating accusations of state-sponsored actions abroad.