• Source:JND
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India-Canada relations have hit a new low, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continuing to make serious accusations against the former. On Monday, Trudeau held a press conference where he alleged that Indian agents were involved in covert operations, targeting Canadian citizens, issuing threats and engaging in violent acts. India has rejected these claims and ordered six Canadian diplomats to leave the country. At the same time, India has recalled several of its diplomats from Canada.

Trudeau’s Allegations Against India

During the press conference, Trudeau accused agents of the Indian government of collecting confidential information, threatening South Asian Canadians and participating in unlawful acts, including killings. However, he did not publicly release evidence to support his claims.

Referring to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Trudeau said, “The RCMP Commissioner has solid and concrete evidence that Indian agents have been involved in activities that pose a threat to public safety.”

He also stated that the RCMP tried to cooperate with Indian authorities but were met with resistance. According to Trudeau, Canadian officials had several meetings with their Indian counterparts, during which they presented evidence of six Indian agents allegedly involved in criminal activities. "It is unacceptable that Indian officials are engaging in such activities," Trudeau asserted.

Trudeau’s Engagement With UK PM

In a tweet, Trudeau mentioned that he discussed the matter with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The two leaders reportedly agreed on the importance of safeguarding their citizens, maintaining the rule of law, and staying in regular contact.

India’s Response

India has strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated. The Indian government has accused Trudeau’s administration of harbouring a political agenda and supporting extremists and terrorists. It emphasised that Canada has provided a safe haven for anti-India elements, enabling them to intimidate Indian diplomats and officials.

In a stern response, India summoned the Canadian High Commissioner and ordered six Canadian diplomats to leave the country. India stressed that it is unacceptable for Canadian authorities to make unfounded accusations against Indian officials.

Nijjar’s Killing

Relations between India and Canada began deteriorating following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023 in Surrey, Canada. Trudeau previously alleged in Parliament that Indian agents were involved in Nijjar's assassination, though no evidence has been provided publicly to substantiate the claims.

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In 2020, India officially designated Nijjar as a terrorist due to his involvement in extremist activities. His death has become a flashpoint, further straining diplomatic ties between the two nations.