Canadian PM Trudeau Links Nijjar Killing To Previous Government's 'Cosy' Relations With India

The killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was highlighted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who emphasized that his government stood up for Canadians.

During his testimony at a public inquiry investigating foreign interference in Canada's electoral process, Trudeau asserted that his government remained steadfast in protecting Canadians.

Photo Credit: PTI

Canadian PM Trudeau On Nijjar Killing

In the hearing of the foreign interference commission, chaired by Quebec judge Marie-Josee Hogue, Justin Trudeau accused the previous Conservative government of being "cosy" with the current Indian government, as reported by news agency ANI.

Justin Trudeau mentioned that China was alleged to have attempted to meddle in the last two Canadian elections, although he stated that the results were not impacted and it was "improbable" that Beijing preferred any one party over another.

In sworn testimony before a commission conducting a public inquiry into alleged foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections, Justin Trudeau responded to questions about intelligence briefings he had received and affirmed that the elections were deemed "free and fair," as reported by Hindustan Times.

The commission was established by Trudeau last year in response to pressure from opposition legislators concerned about media reports regarding China's potential role in the elections.

Trudeau on Foreign Interference and India-Canada Strain

Justin Trudeau was questioned about foreign interference during the 2019 elections and redacted portions in the 2019 annual report of the NSI. In response, it was stated that he could not discuss redactions made for national security in a public setting.

He emphasized the principle that anyone coming to Canada from anywhere in the world has the right of a Canadian to be free from extortion, coercion, and interference from their former country. Trudeau highlighted the government's commitment to defending Canadians, citing the serious case of the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar that he brought forward to Parliament, as reported by Hindustan Times.

A video of the inquiry proceedings, shared by Canadian newspaper The Global and Mail, captured Trudeau asserting that the suggestion of not doing everything possible to defend Canadian values from foreign interference is misplaced. He emphasized that the government has always stood up to defend minorities and their rights in Canada, even if it irritates their home countries overseas.

When asked if appropriate steps were taken to expose foreign interference, Trudeau suggested questioning the previous conservative government known for its close relationship with the current Indian government. He reiterated the government's stance on defending minorities in Canada and their right to speak out.

In a classified February interview with the Commission of Inquiry, Trudeau described leaks of intelligence to the media as extremely damaging to Canadians' confidence in the democratic process. A public summary of the interview was revealed at the inquiry, where Trudeau testified at an open hearing, expressing frustration over the media sensationalizing and taking intelligence out of context, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The relations between India and Canada became strained following Trudeau's allegations of potential Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. India responded by temporarily suspending visa issuance to Canadians and requesting Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in India.

India rejected Trudeau's allegations as "absurd" and "motivated," accusing Canada of accommodating Khalistani extremists targeting India. Nijjar had been designated as a terrorist by India in 2020.