Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has stated that Canada wants to have “private talks with India to resolve a diplomatic dispute” over the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Joly emphasized that they take Canadian diplomats’ safety seriously and believe that diplomatic conversations are best when they remain private.
Tensions between India and Canada have arisen following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations concerning the Indian government’s “potential role” in the fatal shooting of Nijjar. Nijjar, who was designated as a terrorist in India, was killed outside a Gurdwara in Canada’s Surrey, British Columbia on June 18. Trudeau claimed that Canada’s national security officials had reasons to believe that “agents of the Indian government” were responsible for Nijjar’s killing.
India has vehemently denied these claims, considering them to be absurd and motivated. However, Canada has yet to provide any public evidence to support their allegations. Despite the dispute, Trudeau stated that Canada is not seeking to escalate the situation with India. He expressed a desire to be on the ground in India to help Canadian families, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to building closer ties with India.
Trudeau also stressed the importance of engaging with India, citing its increasing influence worldwide. He described India as a growing economic power and an important geopolitical player. However, he emphasized the need for India to work with Canada to ensure a full understanding of the matter, as Canada values the rule of law.