Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that there were “clear indications” of India’s violation of Canadian sovereignty, as tensions rise between the two countries over the assassination of a Sikh leader in Canada last year.
Ottawa holds New Delhi responsible for the killing.
Trudeau’s remarks followed the mutual expulsion of diplomats by both nations, prompted by Canada’s allegations that India’s involvement in the campaign against Sikh separatists was more extensive than initially thought.
Relations have been strained since Canada accused the Indian government of playing a role in the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh leader advocating for an independent Khalistan state. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was killed outside a Sikh temple in Vancouver.
During a hearing on foreign interference, Trudeau discussed Nijjar’s murder and accused Indian government officials of targeting Canadian citizens within the country. He said there were “clearer indications” that India had breached Canada’s sovereignty, and that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had found evidence of Indian involvement in violence against Canadians.
Trudeau noted that India’s reaction to these allegations, including expelling Canadian diplomats, intensified the situation, despite Ottawa’s efforts to engage.
While Trudeau emphasised that his government does not seek conflict with India, a key trade partner, he reiterated his commitment to defending Canadian sovereignty.
Nijjar, who moved to Canada in 1997 and became a citizen in 2015, was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder. Four Indian nationals have been arrested in connection with his death.
India has denied any involvement, calling the accusations “preposterous” and a political strategy aimed at discrediting the country. Last year, India temporarily halted visa services for Canadians and forced Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic staff, threatening further actions this week.
