Canada’s baseless accusation against India is a diplomatic blunder

Canada’s baseless accusation against India is a diplomatic blunder

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made a startling and unfounded allegation against India, claiming that there is a possible link between agents of the Indian government and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in June this year. Nijjar was a prominent Sikh separatist leader who advocated for the creation of a separate homeland for Sikhs, known as Khalistan, in parts of India’s Punjab state.

Trudeau’s accusation is not only absurd and motivated, but also a grave insult to India’s sovereignty and integrity. It is based on no credible evidence and ignores the fact that India is a vibrant democracy that respects human rights and the rule of law. India has strongly rejected Trudeau’s allegation and expressed its displeasure over Canada’s interference in its internal affairs.

India has also taken several diplomatic steps to convey its displeasure to Canada, such as expelling a senior Canadian diplomat, suspending visa services for Canadian citizens, issuing a travel advisory for Indians travelling to Canada, and asking Canada to reduce the number of its diplomats in India. These steps are justified and necessary to protect India’s national interest and dignity.

India has also accused Canada of harbouring terrorists and being lenient towards pro-Khalistan elements who pose a threat to India’s security and unity. India has repeatedly raised its concerns over the activities of such elements in Canada, who have been involved in spreading propaganda, raising funds, and inciting violence against India. India has also sought the extradition of some of these elements who are wanted for their involvement in terrorist acts in India.

However, Canada has not taken any serious action against these elements and has instead given them a platform to voice their anti-India sentiments. For instance, Trudeau himself attended a Khalsa Day parade in Toronto in 2017, where pro-Khalistan flags and posters were displayed. He also invited a convicted Khalistani terrorist, Jaspal Atwal, to a dinner reception during his official visit to India in 2018. These incidents have caused serious damage to the bilateral relations between India and Canada.

Trudeau’s latest accusation against India is another example of his misguided and irresponsible approach towards India. It shows his lack of understanding and respect for India’s sensitivities and aspirations. It also shows his desperation to appease his domestic political constituency, especially the Sikh voters, ahead of the federal elections next year.

Trudeau’s accusation is not only detrimental to the bilateral relations between India and Canada, but also to the regional and global stability. India and Canada are both important partners of the United States and share common values and interests on various issues such as democracy, trade, climate change, counter-terrorism, and multilateralism. By alienating India, Trudeau is undermining the potential for cooperation and collaboration between the two countries on these issues.

Trudeau should realize that his accusation against India is a diplomatic blunder that will have serious consequences for his own credibility and reputation. He should retract his accusation and apologize to India for his unwarranted remarks. He should also take concrete steps to address India’s concerns over the pro-Khalistan elements in Canada and restore the trust and confidence between the two countries. Only then can he hope to salvage the bilateral relations between India and Canada.