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The diplomatic relations between India and Canada have plummeted to a new low this week, following accusations and counter-accusations surrounding the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. At the heart of the escalating dispute lies Canada's assertion of a 'One India' policy, a stance that India has sharply criticized as inconsistent with Canada's actions.
The controversy began with Canada labeling senior Indian diplomats as 'persons of interest' in the investigation into Nijjar's murder. This prompted India to expel six Canadian diplomats and recall its own officials from the country. In his testimony before the Foreign Interference Commission, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that Indian officials were gathering information about Canadians and sharing it with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, allegedly linked to Nijjar's assassination.
India has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as baseless and lacking any concrete evidence. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has pointed out that while Canada advocates for 'One India', it has failed to take action against individuals and groups within its borders who openly advocate for the dismemberment and disunity of India, including those promoting separatist ideologies. The MEA has also expressed concern over the safety of its diplomats in Canada.
Further fueling the tension, Trudeau admitted that Canada had not provided India with any tangible evidence to support its accusations against Indian agents. This admission has been met with strong criticism from India, which views Trudeau's handling of the situation as cavalier and detrimental to bilateral relations. India maintains its stance that Canada has not presented any credible evidence linking Indian officials to Nijjar's murder.
The current diplomatic crisis highlights the deep mistrust and conflicting narratives surrounding the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While Canada claims to uphold the unity of India, its actions, particularly its reluctance to take decisive action against pro-Khalistani elements, are perceived by India as contradictory. The lack of concrete evidence and the differing interpretations of events have further complicated the situation, raising the question of whether the two countries can bridge the divide and restore trust.
Source: MEA's jibe at Justin Trudeau over 'One India' remark: 'Gap between...'