Relations between Canada and India are getting worse, the fray raised over the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Najjar Wala, who was assassinated by some unidentified gunmen in front of a Sikh gurdwara on June 18, Canada held India responsible for his killing, arguing that some India foreign agents have planned this assassination.
Moreover, also argued that India is interfering in their matters which is a threat to Canada’s sovereignty. However Indian government rejected all the allegations, as abused and motivated, India argues that it issued a warning against Hardeep Singh Najjar in 2020 only and India since very long has been urging the Canadian government to stop Khalistanis from using Canadian soil as a breeding ground for anti- Indian activities
On September 10, on the sidelines of a G20 summit in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau his strong concerns about Sikh separatist protests in Canada.
Image Source – Reuters
Take a Glimpse at diplomatic Actions taken by India and Canada so far: –
Canada paused talks on a trade treaty with India, this is an unexpected move that came about 3 months after both countries decided to sign an initial pact this year, a comprehensive economic agreement to boost bilateral trade, expand investment and to negotiate over the existing disputes and move toward more harmonious relations.
On Sept 15, Trade Minister Mary Ng, a spokesperson for the ministry said that due to concern surrounding this killing Canadian government has decided to halt trade treaty talks and postpone the mission.
The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that India has asked Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff in the country by more than half by Oct 10, setting a strict deadline and warning for the same. This decision is taken because of the growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in internal matters and their involvement in anti-Indian activities.
Image Source – Hindustan Times
The relations between both nations are weakening day by day, both countries expelled a diplomat in tit-for-tat moves. Canada expelled one of the senior Indian diplomats and on Sept 21 as a response, the government of India also expelled the Canadian diplomat based in India. Recently the government of India has suspended the visas for Canadians and the free trade agreement between both nations is on hold.
India’s JSW Steel Ltd has reduced to buying a stake in the steelmaking coal unit of Canada’s Teck Resources. Canada’s lentil sales to India have also reduced after tension arose between both countries, Canada is India’s main import source of lentils, a protein-rich staple.
Image Source- Mint
Perspectives of Other Nations on India-Canada Row
The global community wants India and Canada to work closely on this investigation and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken argues that it is a matter of concern so he wants to see accountability over killing.
David Eby British Columbia enters the fray and shares his views on the matter, he made an important statement in a press conference arguing that Canada’s PM Trudeau is making allegations based on open sources and mere Google searches, he also reveals that the briefing he has received till the date from Canadian intelligence on Indians involvement in Khalistani Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder is all based on internet searches available for the public doing.
He expresses his frustration on allegations made by the Canadian government which are not backed by credible proof, the briefings were neither sufficient nor based on solid proof
The global community demands credible proof regarding the recent allegation and also argues that the Canadian government has diluted their charge from reasons to just allegations.
The video of the British Columbia premier has gone viral on social media, he is also seen as suspicious of the Canadian government for holding back some important information on this issue.
