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The ongoing tension between Canada and India escalated further as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified before a public inquiry into foreign interference. Trudeau alleged that the Indian government was involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, in Canada. He claimed that the Indian government had rejected diplomatic attempts to address the matter, highlighting a breakdown in trust between the two nations.
Trudeau emphasized that Canada's initial approach was to work with India discreetly, prioritizing the preservation of the relationship and avoiding a public confrontation, especially during India's hosting of the G20 summit. However, he stated that India's alleged interference was too significant to ignore and threatened Canadian safety and sovereignty. Trudeau maintained that Canada was not seeking to provoke conflict but instead was taking necessary steps to safeguard its citizens and interests.
Despite the serious allegations, Trudeau acknowledged that he had no definitive proof linking the Indian government to Nijjar's death, relying solely on intelligence reports. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing the potential for wider instability and the need to hold those responsible accountable. Trudeau's statements sparked immediate backlash from the Indian government, which vehemently denied the allegations and accused Canada of lacking evidence.
The controversy highlights the complexities of international relations and the delicate balance between diplomacy and national security. Trudeau's decision to go public with the allegations, despite the lack of conclusive proof, underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for long-term ramifications for Canada-India relations. The incident underscores the growing concern about foreign interference in democratic processes and the need for robust safeguards to protect national security.