India frustrated by Trudeau's statements on Nijjar killing and believes there is an opportunity for separatists in Canada

India rejects Justin Trudeau's fresh claims of Indian involvement in activist's killing, accusing Canada of giving space to separatism and extremism, further straining bilateral ties.

India has strongly denied the fresh claims by the Canadian PM, Justin Trudeau regarding the Indian government’s role in the assassination of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, expressed that such remarks from Trudeau are a testimony of political space given in Canada for separatism, extremism, and individuals who resort to violence.

"It is not only the India-Canada relationship which is at risk here but it also creates an enabling environment for violence and criminality to thrive in Canada, which may be detrimental to its citizens," Jaiswal said at a media briefing.

Trudeau, during a press conference on the sidelines of the Khalsa Day Parade in Toronto on April 28, maintained that Nijjar's death last year eroded the rules-based order and Canada-India relations. He says that there are "good reasons" to suspect the Indian government agents have been somehow involved in the murder of the Canadian citizen on Canadian territory.

India firmly objected to the pro-Khalistan slogans being raised during the Khalsa Day event that was attended by Trudeau and other political leaders. The event had banners calling for Khalistan and portraying Indian leaders as 'terrorists' who killed Nijjar, who was designated as a terrorist by the Indian government.

The recent events have sharply worsened the fragile relations between India and Canada which were on the boil. In September last year, Trudeau gave rise to an outburst of anger in India with his remark referencing a possible link between the agents of the Indian government and Nijjar's death, resulting in a diplomatic dispute.

He asserted that Canada does not limit free speech and protests, but he also acknowledged the concerns raised by India. Still, he mentioned that Canada will not go after individuals for sharing opinions that the Indian authorities dislike.

The ongoing controversy over the Nijjar case and the pro-Khalistan sentiments in Canada have cast doubt on the bilateral relationship between the two countries which Trudeau termed as "an important partner" in the domains of people-to-people ties, business, and cooperation on global issues.

Also Read: In The Wake Of The Killing Of A Khalistan Separatist, The Canadian Police Nabbed Three Indian Nationals

With the investigation into the killing of Nijjar taking place, each country is waiting for accountability and the end to this problem which has become a major stumbling block in the diplomatic ties between these two nations.