Justin Trudeau Accuses Indian Government of Supporting Violence Against Canadians Amid Diplomatic Expulsions
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of backing a violent campaign on Canadian soil. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trudeau asserted that India had made a “fundamental error” in supporting acts of violence, including homicides, against Canadians. His statement followed alarming allegations by the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) that Indian government agents were involved in “widespread violence” in Canada, posing a significant public safety threat.
In response, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats. India swiftly retaliated, ordering six Canadian diplomats to leave within a week. These moves come amid increasingly frosty relations between the two countries, worsened by accusations of Indian interference in Canadian affairs.
RCMP’s Shocking Allegations
Earlier on Monday, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme addressed Canadians in a press conference, revealing a significant public safety threat linked to agents of the Indian government. The commissioner disclosed that there were over a dozen credible and imminent threats, specifically targeting the South Asian community in Canada, particularly those involved in the pro-Khalistan movement.
Duheme also said Indian diplomats and consular officials had been using their official positions to gather intelligence and engage in covert activities in Canada, either directly or through proxies. These covert operations, the commissioner warned, have contributed to ongoing violence, creating an unsafe environment for some Canadian citizens, particularly those with ties to the South Asian diaspora.
Diplomatic Fallout and Retaliation
The Canadian government’s expulsion of six Indian diplomats marks a significant step in its response to these accusations. In retaliation, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, including acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler.
Canada’s accusations have centered on the Indian government’s interference in domestic affairs, including attempts to disrupt democratic processes and orchestrate violence on Canadian soil. Trudeau emphasized that no democratic nation could tolerate such violations of sovereignty.
In New Delhi, India rejected the allegations, accusing Trudeau of pursuing a “political agenda” based on vote-bank politics. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the claims “preposterous” and vowed to take further action if necessary.
Relations in Freefall
This incident comes just over a year after tensions between India and Canada spiked in September 2023, when Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the killing of Canadian Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has consistently denied the allegations, demanding evidence to support Canada’s claims.
The United States also weighed in, alleging Indian involvement in a failed assassination attempt on another Sikh separatist leader in New York in 2023. While India responded with concern to the U.S., the Canadian situation has been met with strong denials and pushback.
Political Reactions in Canada
Canadian politicians have been quick to react to these developments. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who was briefed on the latest allegations, urged his colleagues to hold the Modi government accountable. Singh called for further sanctions against India and the banning of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) network in Canada.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Trudeau for his handling of the national security situation, emphasizing that the safety of Canadian citizens should be the government’s top priority.
Source : CBC
