New Delhi: Canada has unequivocally affirmed its support for India’s territorial integrity, marking the first such declaration since tensions escalated last year following President Justin Trudeau’s allegations concerning the possible involvement of Indian government agents in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was one of India’s most-wanted terrorists.
During a recent appearance before the Foreign Interference Commission in Ottawa, Canada’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Morrison, stated, “Canada’s policy is very clear that India’s territorial integrity must be respected. There’s one India, and that’s been made very clear.”
Addressing the activities of pro-Khalistan groups in Canada, Morrison described them as “awful but lawful.” He emphasized that while these activities are undesirable, they are protected under the rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. This statement was intended to clarify Ottawa’s stance on Khalistani elements, many of whom hold Canadian citizenship, and to signal a desire to stabilize India-Canada relations, which have been strained.
Since the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured a historic third term, Canada has been seeking to mend ties with India. Trudeau has indicated a willingness to resume discussions on critical issues related to national security and the rule of law in Canada. Last year, India dismissed Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd” and “motivated,” expressing concerns over Canada becoming a sanctuary for pro-Khalistan Sikhs. In response, Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to defending freedom of expression and peaceful protest while combating violence and hatred.
These developments come after a significant downturn in bilateral relations, with trade negotiations between the two countries stalling. In June, the Canadian parliament held a moment of silence for Nijjar, which India countered with a memorial service in Vancouver honoring the 329 victims of the 1985 Air India flight bombing by Khalistani terrorists.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, was the leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force and was fatally shot by two unidentified gunmen on June 18 last year outside a gurdwara in Surrey. His assassination has been a focal point of the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
By reiterating its support for India’s territorial integrity, Canada aims to ease diplomatic tensions and foster a more cooperative relationship moving forward. Both nations appear keen to navigate through their differences to rebuild trust and collaboration on mutual interests.
