No Evidence, No Credibility: India Responds to Trudeau’s Commission Testimony
Image Source: Times of India
New Delhi, October 17, 2024: India responded sharply to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s testimony at the Commission of Inquiry, stating that it confirms the lack of evidence supporting Canada’s serious allegations against India and its diplomats.
Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson, emphasized that Trudeau’s testimony reinforces India’s consistent stance that Canada has failed to provide any credible evidence to substantiate its claims. “The responsibility for the damage that this cavalier behaviour has caused to India-Canada relations lies with Prime Minister Trudeau alone,” Jaiswal added.
Trudeau’s admission of relying on intelligence without hard evidence has further strained the already tense relations between the two nations. India has consistently rejected attempts to link Indian agents with criminal gangs in Canada and has criticized Canada’s decision to provide a safe haven to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil.
The diplomatic row between India and Canada escalated after Trudeau’s allegations in September last year, prompting India to expel six Canadian diplomats and withdraw its High Commissioner from Canada. The situation remains unresolved, with both nations struggling to find common ground.
India’s relations with Canada have deteriorated significantly, with six Canadian diplomats expelled on Monday. India also decided to recall its’s High Commissioner to Canada and other targeted diplomats and officials.
This escalation follows long-standing tensions over the Khalistan movement and Sikh separatism, exacerbated by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing in September 2023.
India denies any role in Nijjar’s death, labeling the claims “absurd and motivated.”
The Indian government on Monday decided to recall its High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials from Canada.
The Foreign Ministry statement said that in an environment of extremism and violence, the Trudeau government’s actions put the safety of diplomats at risk.
“We have no confidence in the current Canadian government’s commitment to ensuring their safety. Therefore, the Government of India has decided to recall the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials from Canada.” Indian Foreign Ministry said earlier in a statement.
Canada has linked the Indian High Commissioner and diplomats as ‘persons of interest’ in the investigation into the Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case, a move India has openly criticized and warned as ‘absurd allegations’.
The Indian government has also summoned the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada. India has accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of vote bank politics for political gains.
Indian government accused Canada that Since Trudeau’s allegations in September 2023, Canada has failed to provide evidence despite multiple requests from India. This latest move is seen as a deliberate attempt to smear India for political gains.Trudeau’s hostility towards India dates back to 2018 when his visit aimed at currying favor with a vote bank rebounded to his discomfort. His cabinet includes individuals with extremist and separatist agendas regarding India.
The Indian government views Canada’s actions as an attempt to undermine its sovereignty and integrity, and will not hesitate to take necessary steps to protect its interests. The diplomatic row between the two nations is likely to escalate, with significant implications for bilateral relation
