Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified before a public inquiry into foreign interference in federal electoral processes and democratic institutions, where he accused the Indian government of interfering in Canada's safety and sovereignty. He mentioned that there was only intelligence, but no hard evidence, to support the claims of Indian government agents being involved in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year. Trudeau also stated that the Indian response to these allegations was to double down on attacks against his government and arbitrarily eject Canadian diplomats from India.
Indian Government Accused of Meddling in Canadian Elections and Assassinations
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused the Indian government of interfering in Canada's elections and attempting to assassinate a Khalistan separatist. The allegations stem from an ongoing public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian politics.
Background
Canada has a significant Sikh population, many of whom support the Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh nation in the Punjab region of India. In recent years, there have been concerns that the Indian government may be targeting Sikh activists in Canada.
In 2018, Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot and killed in Surrey, British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) initially investigated the case as a random killing, but later concluded that Nijjar was likely targeted by Indian agents.
Trudeau's Testimony
In his testimony before the public inquiry, Trudeau said that the Indian government had attempted to interfere in Canada's 2015 and 2019 federal elections. He also claimed that Indian agents were involved in Nijjar's assassination.
Trudeau said that he had only intelligence to support these claims, not hard evidence. He also stated that the Indian government had responded to the allegations by attacking his government and expelling Canadian diplomats from India.
India's Response
The Indian government has denied Trudeau's allegations. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar said that Trudeau's remarks were "baseless" and that "there is absolutely no evidence to support them."
Jaishankar also accused Canada of failing to take action against Sikh separatists operating in Canada. He said that Canada's inaction had allowed these individuals to "operate with impunity."
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the Khalistan movement? The Khalistan movement is a separatist movement that advocates for an independent Sikh nation in the Punjab region of India.
2. Why does the Indian government oppose the Khalistan movement? The Indian government considers the Khalistan movement to be a threat to its territorial integrity.
3. What is the evidence that the Indian government was involved in Nijjar's assassination? Trudeau has said that there is intelligence to support this claim, but he has not provided any specific evidence.
4. What is the Indian government's response to Trudeau's allegations? The Indian government has denied Trudeau's allegations and accused Canada of failing to take action against Sikh separatists.
5. How is this issue likely to affect relations between Canada and India? Trudeau's allegations are likely to strain relations between Canada and India. The Indian government has already taken steps to punish Canada, such as expelling Canadian diplomats.
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