The Canadian Defence Minister has referred to his country’s relationship with India as “important” notwithstanding tensions in those relations. But he also stated that his nation wants the accusations to be thoroughly investigated.
The declaration was made a few days after Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, sparked a major diplomatic dispute between the two nations over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
“We understand that this can be, and has proven to be, a challenging issue with respect to our relationship with India. But at the same time, we have the responsibility to make sure that we conduct a thorough investigation and get to the truth,” Defence Minister Bill Blair was quoted.
“If the allegations are proven true, there is a very significant concern that Canada will have with respect to the violation of our sovereignty,” he said.
Top US ambassador David Cohen alleged that Justin Trudeau’s decision to go public with his major accusation against India was due to “shared intelligence among ‘Five Eyes’ partners.
The shocking accusation that “Indian government agents” may have been responsible for the shooting of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was made by Canada’s Prime Minister last week.
The accusation was denied as “absurd” by India. India raised the issue of “politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence” in Canada but claimed that Canada had provided no concrete information supporting its accusations. The foreign ministry has urged its citizens living in Canada and those who are considering visiting to use the “utmost caution.”
Additionally, Justin Trudeau asserted that India had been informed of these “credible allegations” weeks earlier. “Canada has informed India of the reliable allegations I discussed on Monday. That was done a few weeks ago. We are there to cooperate with India in a positive way. At a news conference on Saturday, he said, “We hope that they interact with us so that we can learn more about this extremely serious situation.
Washington is “deeply considered” about the charges, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and they want to see accountability in the situation.
India has also charged Canada with failing to respond to “specific evidence about criminal activities” carried out by citizens of Canada. According to reports, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has compiled a list of 19 evading Khalistani terrorists who reside in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Dubai, Pakistan, and other nations and whose properties are also likely to be seized.
In June, Nijjar, 45, was fatally shot in front of a gurdwara in British Columbia, Canada. One of India’s most wanted terrorists, he served as the leader of the outlawed Khalistan Tiger Force.
