Canada's Trudeau Addresses Nijjar Killing Before S Jaishankar-Blinken Meeting
In the lead-up to a crucial meeting between India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, tension loomed over a troubling incident involving the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which had strained relations between Canada and India. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made significant remarks on the matter just hours before the diplomatic rendezvous in Washington DC.
Trudeau expressed his expectations that Blinken would address the issue during his meeting with the Indian counterpart and encourage cooperation in investigating the incident, which took place on June 28.
He stated, “The Americans have been with us in speaking to the Indian government about how important it is that they be involved in following up on the credible allegations that agents of the Indian government killed a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.” Trudeau emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting that all democratic nations should take it seriously and uphold the rule of law while dealing with such matters.
Despite the serious allegations, Trudeau reiterated Canada's commitment to strengthening its relationship with India. He acknowledged India's growing economic and geopolitical significance and underscored the importance of maintaining diplomatic ties. Trudeau remarked, “India is a growing economic power and important geopolitical player.
And as we presented with our Indo-Pacific strategy, just last year, we are very serious about building closer ties with India.” However, he also stressed the need for India to collaborate with Canada in uncovering the truth regarding the incident.
Trudeau had previously made startling allegations in the Canadian House of Commons on September 18, revealing that Canadian security agencies were actively investigating “credible allegations of a potential link” between agents of the Indian government and Nijjar's killing.
He claimed to have personally raised these concerns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 Summit and informed India's top intelligence and security officials about Canada's deep concerns. Trudeau urged India to cooperate with Canada in resolving the matter.
However, India vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated.” As a consequence of Trudeau's claims, India suspended its visa services in Canada. It also issued an advisory to its citizens and travelers to Canada, urging them to exercise caution due to growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes and violence in the country.
During the meeting between S Jaishankar and Anthony Blinken, neither official addressed the controversy publicly. Nevertheless, an anonymous US official confirmed that the topic had been discussed, with Blinken encouraging India to cooperate with the Canadian investigation.
In a post-meeting statement, Jaishankar mentioned the broad spectrum of topics discussed during the meeting with Blinken. These included outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in June, global developments, and groundwork for an upcoming 2+2 dialogue between the US and India.
The dialogue, involving foreign and defense ministers from both nations, aims to facilitate cooperation in various areas, including defense, space, and clean energy.
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