External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar addressed the recent arrest of three Indian nationals in Canada in connection with the alleged murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Jaishankar characterized the developments in Canada as primarily driven by “internal politics,” emphasizing that they have no direct link to India. He highlighted the exploitation of Canada’s democratic system by pro-Khalistan elements, who have formed a lobby and cultivated a vote bank. Jaishankar made these remarks while responding to questions during his visit to Odisha, where he underscored India’s enhanced global reputation and the praise received by the country and its Prime Minister from various world leaders.
Jaishankar emphasized the need for strong leadership, exemplified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to drive reforms across different sectors, including external affairs, paving the way for a developed India (“Viksit Bharat”). These comments come amid tensions in India-Canada diplomatic relations, sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations implicating India in Nijjar’s killing last year. India vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated. The lack of evidence provided by Canada and the absence of cooperation from Canadian police agencies have exacerbated the situation, with Jaishankar attributing Canada’s accusations to political compulsions driven by upcoming elections.
The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Khalistani terrorist, occurred outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver known for its significant Sikh population. Trudeau’s allegations of Indian government involvement strained diplomatic ties between India and Canada. The recent arrest of three Indian citizens in Edmonton, Alberta, suspected of being part of the hit-squad responsible for Nijjar’s murder, has further escalated tensions.
India’s response to the arrests underscores its stance that the accusations made by Canada lack substantiation and are influenced by domestic political considerations. The absence of concrete evidence and cooperation from Canadian authorities has fueled skepticism regarding the legitimacy of Canada’s claims. Jaishankar’s remarks highlight India’s commitment to defending its interests and reputation on the global stage while navigating complex diplomatic challenges.
The diplomatic rift between India and Canada underscores broader geopolitical dynamics, including issues related to terrorism, sovereignty, and bilateral cooperation. India’s firm rebuttal of Canada’s allegations reflects its commitment to upholding its sovereignty and combating terrorism in all its forms. The arrest of the three Indian nationals underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational security threats and ensuring justice for victims of terrorism.
As India continues to engage with the international community, it remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and cooperation. The episode also underscores the need for greater transparency and collaboration between nations to address complex security challenges effectively. Despite the current tensions, India remains committed to fostering constructive dialogue and cooperation with Canada and other nations to address shared concerns and promote mutual prosperity and security in the region and beyond.
