Canada’s Stance on Indian National Indicted in Foiled Assassination Attempt
Canada has raised serious concerns about allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserts that India must take these accusations seriously.
Trudeau highlighted that Canadian and American authorities have been working closely together since August on allegations regarding Nijjar’s killing. The Indian national indicted for participation in a foiled plot to assassinate a US citizen, Nikhil Gupta, was recently charged with murder-for-hire in connection with the case.
Moreover, The Financial Times reported that US authorities foiled a plot to assassinate banned Sikhs for Justice’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, prompting a warning to the Indian government over potential involvement. Trudeau stressed the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring the safety of Canadians.
In response to the US indictment, Canadian officials emphasized the significance of managing security threats and protecting their citizens. Canada’s Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized the need to hold those responsible for Nijjar’s murder on Canadian soil accountable.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stood by the country’s credible allegations against Indian agents and urged India to engage in Canada’s probe into Nijjar’s murder. Joly mentioned having discussions with American counterparts regarding Canada’s stance on India’s involvement in the assassination plot.
India, however, has rejected these allegations. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic parity and dismissed Canada’s portrayal of the withdrawal of 41 Canadian diplomats as a violation of international norms.
Tensions between Canada and India escalated following Trudeau’s allegations of potential Indian involvement in the killing of Nijjar. India’s High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma strongly denied any involvement and criticized Ottawa for convicting New Delhi before the investigation’s conclusion.
Amidst these disputes, Canada continues to call on India to cooperate in their investigation and work towards maintaining diplomatic relations.
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