The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued a sharp rebuke to the Canadian government on Monday, rejecting a diplomatic note that implicated Indian diplomats, including the High Commissioner, in the ongoing investigation of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. India dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated, accusing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government of playing vote-bank politics and of “naked interference” in India’s internal affairs.
In its strongly worded statement, the MEA highlighted Trudeau’s long-standing hostility towards India, referencing his controversial 2018 visit, which they said was an attempt to appeal to a domestic political base but ultimately led to his embarrassment. The MEA also pointed out that Trudeau’s government is reliant on a political party whose leader openly supports separatist ideologies against India, contributing to rising tensions.
The MEA condemned the Trudeau administration for allowing violent extremists in Canada to target Indian diplomats and community leaders, citing instances of threats and harassment. They argued that these actions were justified under the guise of free speech by the Canadian government.
The statement further criticized Trudeau for failing to provide any evidence regarding allegations made in September 2023 about India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing, despite repeated requests from India. The ministry accused Canada of using this investigation as a deliberate strategy to tarnish India’s image for political gain.
The MEA also connected the timing of the latest accusations to Trudeau’s appearance before a commission on foreign interference, suggesting that his government was trying to shift the blame for its own domestic challenges by implicating India. They accused Trudeau’s government of pandering to anti-India separatist groups for narrow political purposes.
