It Is "Extremely Important" For Canada And Its Allies To Engage With India: Canada PM Justin Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has affirmed Canada's commitment to strengthening its relationship with India, despite "credible allegations" surrounding the Indian government's potential involvement in the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, as reported by Canada's National Post.

Reportedly, Trudeau emphasized the increasing global influence of India and stressed the importance of Canada and its allies' engagement with India in a "constructively and seriously" manner. During a press conference in Montreal on Thursday, Trudeau stated that Canada's goal of building closer ties with India is "extremely important", particularly in light of India's growing prominence on the world stage.

He noted, "India is a growing economic power and important geopolitical player. As we presented with our Indo-Pacific strategy just last year, we're very serious about building closer ties with India." Trudeau also highlighted Canada's commitment to the rule of law saying, "At the same time, obviously, as a rule of law country, we need to emphasize that India needs to work with Canada to ensure that we get the full facts of this matter," as quoted by National Post.

Trudeau further disclosed that he had received assurances from the United States that Secretary of State Antony Blinken would discuss the public allegations regarding India's involvement in Nijjar's murder during a meeting with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

Trudeau said, "The Americans have been with us in speaking to the Indian government about how important it is that they be involved in following up on the credible allegations that agents of the Indian government killed a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil." Further adding, "This is something that all democratic countries, all countries that respect the rule of law need to take seriously. We are moving forward in a thoughtful, responsible way anchored in the rule of law with all of our partners including in our approach to the Government of India," as quoted by the National Post.

Trudeau informed the Canadian House of Commons that, on 18 September, Canadian security agencies were actively investigating "credible allegations of a potential link" between individuals associated with the Indian government and Nijjar's killing. Trudeau, then called upon the Indian government to cooperate with Canada "to get to the bottom of this matter".

It's important to note that India has vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as 'absurd' and 'motivated.' Reportedly, Trudeau has yet to present any public evidence to support his claims regarding Nijjar's death, further straining relations between the two nations.

As a result of these tensions, India suspended its visa services in Canada. Additionally, India issued an advisory urging its citizens and travelers to exercise caution while in Canada due to increased anti-India activities, alleged politically sanctioned hate crimes, and criminal violence in the country.