In a recent turn of events, Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair emphasized the significance of Canada’s relationship with India, highlighting its importance on the global stage. This statement follows the explosive allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, linking potential Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia.
While Defence Minister Blair refrained from indicating a reassessment of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy amidst the escalated diplomatic tensions between the two nations, he expressed the intent of Canada to maintain and foster these partnerships as investigations into the allegations continue.
The allegations were made during a parliamentary session in Canada, where Prime Minister Trudeau was blaming agents of the Indian government for being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a declared terrorist and the head of the Khalistani Tiger Force in India. Despite ongoing investigations, Canada had already taken diplomatic action by expelling a senior Indian High Commission diplomat.
These accusations surfaced shortly after Prime Minister Trudeau participated in the G-20 summit in India, marked by a contentious bilateral meeting with PM Modi. The fallout from this meeting saw both nations issuing pointed statements, accusing each other of foreign interference and providing safe havens for anti-India extremists. Notably, the discussion regarding Nijjar’s killing was not disclosed during this meeting.
Reports revealed that Canadian National Security Adviser Jody Thomas had traveled to India twice in the past month to discuss the case with India’s NSA Ajit Doval, although specific evidence had not been provided by Canada as per the Indian government. However, media reports suggested that Canada shared evidence with intelligence partners in the “Five Eyes” alliance before the G-20 summit.
As tensions continue to escalate, India has firmly maintained that no conclusive evidence has been shared by Canada to substantiate the allegations. Additionally, India criticized Canada for allegedly hosting a “nexus of terrorism” and acting as a “refuge” for extremism and organized crime.
Meanwhile, in Canada, Jatinder Singh Grewal, a director for Sikh for Justice, has announced plans for demonstrations outside Indian embassies and consulates in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver, aiming to raise public awareness about Nijjar’s killing. The organization is urging Canada to expel the Indian ambassador amidst the escalating diplomatic situation.
