Canada agreed to solve “extremely critical concerns” with India: Trudeau
By: Surjit Singh Flora
(SAMAJ WEEKLY)- Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, expressed his dedication to working together with India on significant matters, even in the midst of diplomatic tensions. He made his remarks after meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 Summit in Italy.
“I won’t delve into the specifics of this significant and delicate matter that requires further attention, but it was a promise to collaborate in the future to address crucial matters,” Trudeau informed reporters.
Trudeau and Modi are meeting amidst tense relations following Canadian authorities’ accusation of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. The two leaders had a chance to catch up when they crossed paths at the G20 Summit hosted by India in September of the previous year.
On June 18, 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen wanted in India on multiple terror charges, was tragically shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey. Canada and India are currently facing a diplomatic fallout due to the allegations made by Canada, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats from both countries.
Three Indians were arrested in Canada in May in connection with Nijjar’s murder. Canada has emphasized the need for the investigation to go beyond just these arrests, while India has suggested that there may be political motivations behind the situation. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his concerns about Canada’s decision to grant visas to individuals with connections to organized crime, despite prior warnings from Delhi.
India has consistently expressed its concerns regarding the political space provided to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements in Canada. India believes that the main concern lies in the support and platform that certain groups receive within Canadian borders.
Trudeau’s recent remarks show an attempt to address the diplomatic crisis by emphasizing the importance of working together on important matters, as both countries grapple with the wider consequences of the Nijjar case and its effect on their relationship.
Surjit Singh Flora is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton Canada
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