 |
|
The strained relationship between India and Canada continues to be a hot topic, with former Punjab Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Amarinder Singh adding fuel to the fire with his scathing criticism of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Singh alleges that Trudeau's actions have severely damaged the bilateral ties, driven by his sole objective of securing Sikh votes for his own political benefit.
Singh, known for his outspoken nature, claims that Trudeau's interest lies solely in garnering the support of the Sikh community in Canadian elections, regardless of the consequences his actions might have on the relationship with India. He points to the recent diplomatic row sparked by the naming of Indian diplomats as 'persons of interest' in a Canadian investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist, in British Columbia. India, in response, recalled its high commissioner and five other diplomats from Canada, a move indicative of the severity of the diplomatic rift.
Singh's accusations against Trudeau are not new. He previously criticized Trudeau's visit to India in 2018, stating that he had refused to meet with the Canadian Prime Minister due to his perceived support for Khalistani extremism. Singh's stance against Trudeau stems from his conviction that the Canadian Prime Minister's actions are detrimental to the interests of India, particularly in Punjab. The issue of Khalistani extremism is a sensitive one for India, as it sees it as a threat to its national security and territorial integrity.
Singh's criticism, while aimed at Trudeau, reflects a broader concern within India about Canada's perceived inaction against Khalistani supporters operating within its borders. India accuses Canada of failing to adequately address the activities of these groups, who openly advocate for the secession of Punjab from India. This lack of action, according to India, undermines its sovereignty and creates a hostile environment for its diplomats and citizens in Canada.
The ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, exacerbated by Singh's accusations, highlights the complexities surrounding the issue of Khalistani extremism and the challenges of maintaining a strong bilateral relationship in the face of such sensitive issues. The future of India-Canada relations hinges on the ability of both governments to address these concerns constructively and find common ground, a task that appears increasingly challenging given the current political climate and the heightened sensitivities surrounding this issue.
Source: Justin Trudeau ruined relations between India, Canada for votes: Former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh