Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reiterated his assertion that there are “credible reasons” to believe that Indian agents may have played a role in the murder of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.
This claim was initially made on Monday (18), leading to a strong rejection from India, which described the allegations as “absurd.”
The murder victim, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was shot dead outside a temple in June. India designated Nijjar a terrorist in 2020, a claim disputed by his supporters who assert that he was a peaceful activist advocating for a separate Sikh homeland.
Trudeau’s accusation has fueled a diplomatic row between India and Canada, two countries that have traditionally shared close ties and robust trade relations.
As tensions escalated, both nations expelled one diplomat each from the other’s country. India also suspended visa services for Canadians, while Canada reduced its personnel in India due to threats on social media targeting its diplomats.
In his remarks at the UN General Assembly in New York, Trudeau reiterated the allegation, emphasizing that Canada is standing up for the “rules-based international order” and allowing its justice system to operate with integrity. He also revealed that he had a “direct and frank conversation” with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about these concerns.
When asked about the extent and solidity of the evidence, Trudeau did not provide a direct response but emphasized Canada’s rigorous and independent justice system.
India’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, stated that while India is open to examining specific information, it has not received any such information so far. The UK, Australia, and the US have also expressed concern over Canada’s allegations.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan rejected the notion of a wedge between the US and Canada, expressing deep concern over the allegations and calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for the perpetrators.
-BBC-
