Trudeau repeats his claim against India in Nijjar killing but provides no proof.
In a press conference held at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated his country’s commitment to the international rules-based order and made startling allegations regarding India’s role in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau claimed that there are “credible reasons” to believe that agents of the Indian government were involved in the murder, a statement that has further escalated tensions between Canada and India.
Trudeau emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, especially in a world where the international rules-based order is paramount. Trudeau underscored Canada’s rigorous and independent judicial system, along with robust processes, as cornerstones of their commitment to justice.
During the press conference, Trudeau fielded questions regarding the growing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. Trudeau called upon the Indian government to take the matter seriously and collaborate with Canada to ensure full transparency, accountability, and justice in this case.
“We believe in following the law,” Trudeau stated firmly. We’ll continue to put out effort to protect Canadians, uphold our values, and uphold international laws that contribute to maintaining world peace. That’s our focus right now.”
Responding to a query about Canada’s stance, Trudeau stated, “We are standing for the rule of law or highlighting how unacceptable it would be for any country to be involved in the murder of someone who lived on their land. Trudeau highlighted that the case should be handled with the utmost integrity by Canada’s effective and independent legal system.
Trudeau also revealed that he had a direct and frank conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the issue. “I shared my concerns in no uncertain terms,” Trudeau noted, highlighting the seriousness with which Canada views this matter.
In response to Canada’s allegations, the Indian External Affairs Ministry issued a statement acknowledging that Trudeau had raised these allegations during a previous meeting with Prime Minister Modi. However, it stated that Prime Minister Modi had rejected these allegations. The Ministry also pointed out that Canada had not shared any specific information regarding the accusations and reiterated India’s willingness to consider any specific information if provided.
In a significant development, India’s visa processing center in Canada suspended its services with immediate effect, raising concerns about the implications for Indians living in Canada and those planning to travel to India.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a release advising Indian nationals and students in Canada to avoid regions and venues that have witnessed a surge in anti-India activities. Indian students were particularly urged to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.
The backdrop of these accusations dates back to June 18 when Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Nijjar also held the position of president at Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.
Trudeau’s allegations in the Canadian Parliament on Monday have further strained the diplomatic relations between the two countries. He claimed that Canada’s national security officials had credible reasons to suspect that “agents of the Indian government” were responsible for Nijjar’s murder.
As this diplomatic standoff between Canada and India unfolds, it remains to be seen how the two nations will navigate these serious allegations and work towards a resolution that upholds justice, transparency, and the rule of law. The international community will also be closely monitoring the developments in this case given its potential impact on bilateral relations and the global rules-based order.