Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has reiterated that he has “credible reasons” to believe that Indian agents may be involved in the murder of a Khalistani terrorist on Canadian soil. Trudeau also said Canada is not looking to “provoke or cause problems” with India amid the diplomatic row over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Trudeau has repeatedly ignored India’s concerns over Khalistani activities on Canadian soil and refused to take action against pro-Khalistani groups. The Canadian government has also failed to take action against Khalistani groups for attacks on temples and Indian mission in the past.
Apart from his lackadaisical approach to the Khalistani problem, Trudeau has made statements drawing criticism from New Delhi.
Farmers’ Protest
In 2020, during the protest against three farm laws on Delhi borders, Justin Trudeau not only called the situation “concerning”, but also said Canada will defend the rights of peaceful protesters.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t start by recognising the news coming from India about the protest by farmers. The situation is concerning. We are all very worried about family and friends. We know that’s a reality for many of you. Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protesters,” Trudeau said on the occasion of Gurupurab.
“We believe in the process of dialogue. We’ve reached out through multiple means to the Indian authorities to highlight our concerns. This is a moment for all of us to pull together,” he added.
The Indian government sharply reacted to his statements and called the remarks as “ill-informed” and “unwarranted”.
2018 India Trip
During Justin Trudeau’s visit to India in 2018, the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office invited Jaspal Atwal, convict of attempting to assassinate a Punjab minister, to official receptions during Trudeau’s visit. Jaspal Atwal was convicted on terror charges related to the Khalistan movement when he attempted to assassinate a visiting minister from Punjab state in 1986 was sentenced to 20 years in jail.
Atwal’s presence at a reception in Mumbai and in a huge embarrassment for Canada, he was photographed with Trudeau’s wife. In damage control, Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel cancelled his invitation to a second event in New Delhi.
‘Khalsa Day’ Events
India has also been protesting PM Trudeau’s attendance in Khalsa Day Events in Canada. In one such events in May 2017, Trudeau attended a Sikh community event in Toronto that saw a felicitation of separatist elements.
Earlier in April the same year, the Canadian prime minister addressed a parade for ‘Khalsa Day’, which included floats glorifying Sikh militant leaders Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Amreek Singh and former General Shahbeg Singh who were killed during Operation Bluestar.
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