Tag: Canada

Canada elections

India Rejects Allegations Of Indian Interference In Canadian Elections

By LokMarg

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday rejected what it termed were the “baseless allegations” of Indian interference in Canadian elections, adding that it is Canada, who is interfering in our internal affairs.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while addressing the weekly press briefing on Thursday said that they have seen the media reports of the Canadian Commission inquiring into foreign interferences.

“We strongly reject such baseless allegations of Indian interference in Canadian elections, it is not govt of India’s policy to interfere in the democratic process of other countries, in fact, quite on the reverse it is Canada, which has been interfering in our internal affairs,” he said.

Jaiswal further emphasised that India continues to call on Canada to take effective measures to address our core concerns.

“We have been raising this issue regularly with them, we continue to call on Canada to take effective measures to address our core concerns,” he stated.

As reported earlier, Canada’s federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference was looking to examine alleged meddling by India in the country’s last two general elections, Canada-based CTV News reported.

The commission, in a statement, said it has asked the federal government to produce documentation related to these allegations.

The statement signals the commission’s intention to probe any role India might have played in influencing the two ballots, as per CTV News.

The commission’s initial hearings will look at the challenges and limitations of disclosing classified national security information and intelligence to the public.

According to CTV News, an interim report from the commission is due on May 3, with a final report expected by the end of the year. (ANI)

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Canada-based Goldy Brar MHA

MHA Declares Goldy Brar A Terrorist Under UAPA

By LokMarg

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday declared Canada-based absconding gangster Satwinder Singh alias Goldy Brar as a terrorist under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 on charges of his involvement in smuggling of high-grade arms, ammunitions and explosive materials through drones from across the border and supplying thereon for carrying out killings and also providing sharpshooters.

Considering Brar’s involvement in terrorism, the MHA added his name as a 56th terrorist in the Fourth Schedule to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The MHA’s action comes while exercising the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 35 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Born on April 11, 1994 having a permanent address at Adesh Nagar in Punjab’s Muktsar Sahib City, Brar is presently residing in Brampton, Canada and is associated with Babbar Khalsa International terror outfit, mentions the MHA in its notification.

Know by his another alias as Satinderjit Singh, the MHA said, Brar is backed by cross border agency and he was involved in multiple killings and professes radical ideology, figured in making threatening calls to pro-nationalist

leaders, demanding ransom and posting the claims of killings on different social media platforms.

The Ministry also said that Brar has been involved in smuggling of high-grade arms, ammunition and explosive materials through drones from across the border and supplying thereon for carrying out killings and also providing sharpshooters.

As per the Ministry, Brar and his associates have been conspiring to disrupt the peace, communal harmony and law and order in the state of Punjab through nefarious designs including sabotage, the raising of terror modules, carrying out targeted killings, and other anti-national activities.

A Red Corder notice has been issued against the Brar by the INTERPOL Secretariat General (IPSG), Lyon, France.

A non-bailable warrant dated December 12, 2022, was issued against Brar, who is also a subject of the Look Out Circular issued on June 15, 2022. (ANI)

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Canada India MEA

India Hopes Canada Takes Action Against Extremist Elements: MEA

By LokMarg

India’s position is consistent on the issue of Canada as it is hoping that Ottawa would take action on extremist elements that are misusing the freedom of speech and expression in their country, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday.

While addressing a weekly media briefing on Thursday, Bagchi said India has always highlighted that the core issue remains the space given to extremists, terrorists and anti-India elements in Canada.

Asked about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s remarks that he has seen a tonal shift in India’s relations with Canada after the US reported an alleged murder plot, Arindam Bagchi said, “I’m not exactly sure how to answer it. In the sense, this is a comment by the Prime Minister of Canada and I wouldn’t like to comment on that. But I think our position has been quite consistent and whenever this has been raised.”

Notably, the ties between India and Canada have been strained after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations about India being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has outrightly rejected the allegations terming them “absurd” and “politically motivated.”

“I think we have highlighted how we see the problem and frankly the core issue remains the space that is given to extremists and terrorists and anti-India elements in that country. I think you would heard also from External Affairs Minister recently as well as others about the developments of that case and the fact that if there’s something that we look into it but the core of it, the problem remains this. So I would like to say whether they have noted a shift or not. Certainly, our position has remained consistent and we would hope that they would take action on such extremist elements that are misusing the freedom of speech and expression in their country,” he added.

Trudeau has said he believes India’s relations with Canada might have undergone “a tonal shift” in the days since the unsealing of a US indictment alleging a conspiracy to murder India-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, Canada-based CBC News reported.

Trudeau made the remarks in an end-of-year interview with the CBC’s Rosemary Barton. He said the US indictment seems to have convinced the Indian government to adopt a more sober tone, as reported by CBC News.

“I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they can’t bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before,” he said.

Trudeau said, “We don’t want to be in a situation of having a fight with India right now over this.”

“We want to be working on that trade deal. We want to be advancing the Indo-Pacific strategy. But it is foundational for Canada to stand up for people’s rights, for people’s safety, and for the rule of law. And that’s what we’re going to do,” CBC News quoted Trudeau as saying.

Recently, the US Justice Department unsealed an indictment against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate Pannun.

The Justice Department claimed that an Indian government employee (named CC-1), who was not identified in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan, recruited an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman to carry out the assassination, which was foiled by US authorities, according to prosecutors.

Gupta is currently in custody and has been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Czech authorities arrested and detained Gupta on June 30, pursuant to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic.

Reacting to the Justice Department’s indictment, the Ministry of External Affairs said the case filed against an individual in a US court, allegedly linking him to an Indian official, was a “matter of concern” and is contrary to government policy.

“We cannot share any further information on such security matters. As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said and let me reiterate that this is contrary to government policy” the MEA spokesperson said. (ANI)

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Canada

Canada Doubles Student Visa Financial Cost, Onus To Curb Frauds

By LokMarg

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced a substantial increase in the financial criteria for international students applying for study permits, emphasising the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the education system, CBC reported.

Miller also issued a stern warning, threatening to “significantly limit visas” if provinces and educational institutions fail to take appropriate actions before the upcoming fall term.

The decision also extends the temporary lift on the 20-hour work limit for international students, now extended until April 30, 2024. Miller outlined the government’s concerns about potential abuse in the system, targeting both questionable employers and institutions that may not be providing a genuine educational experience, according to Canadian public broadcaster CBC.

During a news conference, Miller expressed concerns about certain educational institutions operating as “puppy mills” and emphasised the need to address fraud and abuse within the system.

He said, “There are, in provinces, the diploma equivalent of puppy mills that are just churning out diplomas, and this is not a legitimate student experience.”

The increased financial requirement for prospective students will be raised to USD 20,635, doubling the longstanding USD 10,000 threshold. This change aims to ensure that international students have sufficient funds to cover living costs in addition to travel and tuition expenses. The amount will be adjusted annually based on Statistics Canada benchmarks for living costs.

Miller highlighted the need for learning institutions to responsibly manage the number of international students they accept, considering their ability to provide housing or assistance in finding off-campus accommodation.

“We could potentially miss the mark. Provinces have a number of tools at their disposal, namely the regulation of the designated learning institutions, that in some cases just need to be shut down,” Miller also said.

The move is intended to address concerns about international students facing challenges in finding suitable housing and being forced into exploitative jobs, according to CBC

“It’s why we expect learning institutions to only accept a number of (international) students that they’re able to provide for — able to house, or assist in finding off-campus housing,” he added.

The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting international students from potential vulnerabilities and exploitation.

Miller also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts with provinces, urging them to take proactive measures.

However, he made it clear that if provinces fail to act, the federal government is prepared to intervene, stating, “Enough is enough. If provinces and territories cannot do this, we will do it for them, and they will not like the bluntness of the instruments that we use.”

Miller acknowledged the need for further discussions with provinces before any potential visa caps are implemented, recognising the various tools available to them for regulation, including the possible closure of designated learning institutions that may not meet necessary standards.

“We could potentially miss the mark. Provinces have a number of tools at their disposal — namely the regulation of the designated learning institutions, that in some cases just need actually to be shut down,” CBC quoted the Canadian minister as saying. (ANI)

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Bangladesh

After New Evidence, Sheikh Hasina Govt To File Fresh Appeal For Deportation Of Rahman’s Killer From Canada

By LokMarg

Bangladesh will be making a fresh appeal to Canada for the deportation of Noor Chaudhury — the convicted killer of Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation ‘Bangabandhu’, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman — after the revelation made in a new documentary about him freely living in Canada.

Speaking to ANI, Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in Canada, said, “We are not sitting here silently and after the new evidence on the CBC documentary, we are making a fresh appeal to the Canadian government for his early deportation”.

Rahman said that Noor Chaudhury went to Canada around 28 years ago in 1996 and despite being a convicted killer in a heinous crime, he has been living there freely and the Bangladesh government is trying multiple ways to deport him.

“We have been trying all the ways and requesting the government of Canada to deport him to Bangladesh to face the verdict. This judicial process possess has been very transparent free fear. It has been certified even by Amnesty International that the accused were given all the chances opportunities to make them innocent,” he said.

The Bangladesh envoy also questioned Canada and other developed countries for their “double standard” in the name of human rights.

“Our friends (Canada) are really not about trying to appreciate our concerns and that is our problem…Canada and some other developed countries they all talk about protection and promotion of human diets. This Noor Chaudhury violated human rights with crime against humanity, still they are protecting him. They are protecting the rights of a killer but they are not doing justice to the victim and the families of the victim…this is really double standard,” Rahman added.

High Commissioner Rahman further informed that Bangladesh is going to make a fresh appeal to the Canadian government regarding the deportation of Noor Chaudhury.

“It was known to us that he was living in that house, but he had never been caught in camera…So it was only revolution was that he was spot on camera. We are not sitting idle. Every day, every moment we are taking this case. With this CBC documentary, all of them (Canadian officials) now know who they are hosting for the last 28 years. So we will be reaching out each and everybody and make a fresh appeal that the government of Canada should sit in a meaning dialogue for his deportation to Bangladesh,” he further said.

He stated that other than Noor Chaudhury, several other convicted criminals are also living freely in Canada, however, Dhaka attaches this particular case with utmost priority.

“The biggest attack in Bangladesh on July 1, 2016. The mastermind was realized in Canada. He went to Bangladesh from here so these are the things and we have clear evidence of presence of some convicted money launderers in Canada and we have also requested for their deportation,” he added.

Notably, India has also accused the Justin Trudeau administration in Canada of giving refuge to anti-India Khalistani elements. (ANI)

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India Canada

India Urges Canada To Respect Vienna Convention

By LokMarg

India reiterated its call for Canada to respect the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations amid reports of Khalistani elements disturbing a consular camp organised in Indian High Commission in Canada.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, however, also said that there have been some inaccurate social media reports regarding the incidents.

Addressing the briefing, Bagchi said, “Our High Commission and consulates in Canada regularly organize consular camps. One such camp was organized near Vancouver on November 12 to provide life certificates to pensioners. The event was held successfully despite attempts by a few radical elements to cause trouble. Our Consul General was not present at that site”.

“We reiterate the need for nations to respect the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations so that our diplomats can discharge their diplomatic obligations,” he added.

Speaking on the reports of an alleged attack on the Indian community during Diwali celebrations in Canada, the MEA spokesperson said that the consulate has not received any complaint regarding the incident.

“As regards to events that you alluded to near Brampton or Mississauga in Diwali. I think that was more in the nature of unrest between the two groups. To be honest, I don’t think there has been any complaint that our consulate has received. I saw some social media reports. We also understand that the authorities there are looking into that incident, so I don’t have anything further to add to that,” he further said.

This come amid the diplomatic standoff between New Delhi and Ottawa which erupted after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of “agents of the Indian government” in the killing of the Khalistani terrorist.

India rejected the allegations as “absurd and motivated” and expelled a Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move after Ottawa asked a senior Indian diplomat to leave.

Notably, Canada has not been able to present any evidence to back its claims over the killing, according to the MEA.

Last month, Canada pulled out 41 diplomats from India and also halted its visa and consular services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru consulates in the wake of the Union government’s decision to strip them of their immunity.

This came after New Delhi conveyed its concerns to Ottawa over the disproportionate number of diplomats in India and sought a ‘parity’ in diplomatic strength.

Canada accused India of violating the Vienna Convention. However, MEA responded by saying that no international norms were violated in India seeking parity in the mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa.

New Delhi also halted visa services to Canada but later decided to resume services for four categories after a “considered review of the security situation”. (ANI)


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Canada India

India Recommends Canada To Prevent Attacks On Places Of Worship

By LokMarg

In a significant diplomatic move, India has spearheaded recommendations for Canada to fortify measures preventing attacks on worship places and effectively address hate speech.

The proposals were presented during the UN Human Rights Council Review meeting, where diplomats from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka shared their insights and recommendations.

Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain noted legislative enactments such as the National Housing Strategy Act and the Accessible Canada Act while addressing the issue at the Council meeting.

“We note the enactment of the National Housing Strategy Act, Accessible Canada act, and National strategy to combat human trafficking,” said Hussain addressing the UNHRC review meeting.

India also recommended that Canada strengthen its domestic framework to prevent the misuse of freedom of expression, particularly for inciting violence. Additionally, India urged Canada to disallow activities of groups promoting extremism, prevent attacks on places of worship of religious and racial minorities, and enhance measures to address hate crimes and hate speech.

“India recommends the following to Canada – further, strengthen the domestic framework to prevent misuse of freedom of expression, for inciting violence and disallow activities of groups that are promoting extremism; effectively prevent attacks on places of worship of religious and racial minorities, strengthen legislative and other measures to address hate crimes and hate speech,” he also said.

Bangladesh diplomat Abdullah Al Forhad commended Canada’s progress in human rights protection and acknowledged the ongoing implementation of its strategy to combat human trafficking. However, Bangladesh recommended that Canada intensify efforts against racism, hate speech, hate crimes, and discrimination against migrants and Muslim minorities. They also called for measures to reduce carbon emissions and urged international cooperation in addressing climate change impacts.

“In spite of cooperation, Bangladesh offers recommendations to Canada: intensify its efforts to combat racism, hate speech, hate crimes, and discrimination against migrants and Muslim minorities, take necessary measures to reduce carbon emissions; strengthen international cooperation in addressing the negative impacts of climate change; and consider ratifying an international convention on the protection of the rights of all migrants, workers and members of their families,” said Bangladesh’s Al Forhad.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan diplomat Thilini Jayasekara also recommended Canada accede to the Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant Workers, take measures against racial discrimination affecting immigrants’ rights, counter misinformation against minority communities, and strengthen its national mechanism for comprehensive reporting and follow-up on international human rights recommendations.

“Sri Lanka welcomes the cooperation extended by the Government of Canada during the visit of UN Special Rapporters on contemporary forms of slavery and on the rights of Indigenous people. Sri Lanka recommends Canada to one, accede to the Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant workers and members of their families. Two, continue to take measures against racial discrimination, in particular to avoid discriminatory policies and regulations affecting the rights of immigrants, including in the area of health,” said the Sri Lankan diplomat.

“Three, continue to take measures to counter misinformation against minority communities. Four, strengthen its national mechanism for comprehensive reporting and follow up in relation to recommendations received from international human rights mechanisms and treaty obligations. We wish Canada success in its UPR engagement,” Thilini Jayasekara added.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau introduced a fresh sour note in bilateral ties with India amid the continuing diplomatic standoff, affirming his earlier claim of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Earlier on Saturday, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accused New Delhi of violating the Vienna Convention by “kicking out” 40 diplomats at a time when his country had reached out to the former and other global partners to get to the bottom of the murder.

Issuing a warning, the Canadian PM said if bigger countries can “violate international law without consequences”, it will make the world “more dangerous”.

Trudeau, however, added that Canada wants to “work constructively” with India, adding that Ottawa “will always stand up to the rule of law”.

Last month, Canada pulled out 41 diplomats from India and also halted its visa and consular services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru consulates in the wake of the Union government’s decision to strip them of their immunity.

This came after New Delhi conveyed its concerns to Ottawa over the disproportionate number of diplomats in India and sought a ‘parity’ in diplomatic strength.

Accusing India of violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said Ottawa removed 41 diplomats and their 42 dependents from India amid the ongoing diplomatic sabre-rattling between the two countries.

However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded by saying that no international norms were violated in India, seeking parity in the mutual diplomatic presence in New Delhi and Ottawa.

Earlier, in September this year, Trudeau alleged the involvement of “agents of the Indian government” in the killing of the Khalistani terrorist.

India rejected the allegations as “absurd and motivated” and expelled a Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move after Ottawa asked a senior Indian diplomat to leave.

New Delhi also halted visa services to Canada but later decided to resume services for four categories after a “considered review of the security situation”.

Notably, Canada has not been able to present any evidence to back its claims over the killing, according to the MEA. (ANI)

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Canada Immigration

Canada Immigration Authority Amid Standoff, Delays In Visa Processing

By LokMarg

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Thursday said that there would be a slowdown of Indian visa applications after Canada removed its 41 diplomats from India amid the ongoing India-Canada standoff.

In a press statement from IRCC said, “Following India’s intent to unilaterally remove immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents in Delhi by October 20, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is reducing its number of employees in India from 27 to 5. IRCC will continue to accept and process applications from India, but reduced staffing levels are expected to impact processing times.”

Moreover, the statement said that due to the decrease in Canadian diplomatic staff in India, Indian citizens would face delays in overall processing times, responses to enquiries and getting visas or their passports back.

Meanwhile, the Canadian authorities have assured that the Canada-based IRCC staff in India will do the day-to-day work required in the country.

Quoting the statement, “The large majority of applications from India are already processed outside the country, with 89% of India’s applications processed through the global network. The 5 Canada-based IRCC staff who remain in India will focus on work that requires an in-country presence such as urgent processing, visa printing, risk assessment and overseeing key partners.”

Canada Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced on Thursday (local time) that Canada has removed 41 diplomats and their 42 family members, from India over the ongoing row between the two countries.

“As of now, I can confirm that India has formally conveyed its plan to unethically remove diplomatic immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents in Delhi by tomorrow, October 20. This means 41 Canadian diplomats and their 42 dependents were in danger of having immunity stripped on an arbitrary date. And this would put their personal safety at risk,” Joly said, as she confirmed the departure of Canadian diplomats.

This comes after India called for a reduction in Canadian diplomats in India, calling for ‘parity’, owing to the ongoing diplomatic row between the two nations.

Canadian Foreign Minister said, “…we have facilitated their safe departure from India. This means that our diplomats and their families have now left diplomatic immunities. Keep diplomats safe, no matter where they’re from and where they’re sent to. Immunities allow diplomats to do their work without fear of reprisal or arrests from the country they’re in.”

“They are a fundamental principle of diplomacy and this is a two-way street. They only work if every country abides by the rules. A unilateral revocation of diplomatic privilege and immunities is contrary to international law. It is a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and threatening to do so is unreasonable and escalatory. If we allow the norm of diplomatic immunity to be broken no diplomats anywhere on the planet would be safe,” she said, adding that Canada “will not reciprocate,” she said, according to CTV news.

Along with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller, the minister made the announcement about the development “on the situation with India” and how it will affect the level of service delivery Canada can offer following the withdrawal of diplomats.

She said, “There’s no question that India’s decision will impact the levels of services to citizens in both countries. Unfortunately, we have to put a pause on all in-person services in our consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai and in Bangalore.”

“Canadians who need consular assistance can still visit our High Commission in Delhi. And you can still also do that in person by phone and by email,” she added.

Earlier, stating that India’s focus is achieving ‘parity’ in terms of diplomatic presence, the Ministry of External Affairs had called for a reduction in Canadian diplomats in India citing their continued “interference” in New Delhi’s “internal matters”.

Addressing the press briefing earlier, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “Given the much higher presence of diplomats or diplomatic presence here…and their continued interference in our internal matters, we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence. Discussions are ongoing on the modalities of achieving this”.

“Given that Canadian diplomatic presence is higher, we would assume that there would be a reduction,” he added.

On being asked if the reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats could see a decrease in the number of visas issued by the Canadian High Commission in India, Bagchi said, “It’s up to the Canadian side, who they choose to staff the High Commission with…our concerns are related to ensuring parity in diplomatic presence”.

He further added that India’s primary focus is on two things; having an atmosphere in Canada, where Indian diplomats can work properly and in achieving parity in terms of diplomatic strength.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had alleged that the Indian government was behind the fatal shooting of Hardeep Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India.

However, India outrightly rejected the claims, calling it ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated’. Notably, Canada has yet to provide any public evidence to support the claim about the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Nijjar, who was a designated terrorist in India, was gunned down outside a Gurdwara, in a parking area in Canada’s Surrey, British Columbia on June 18. (ANI)

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India Canadian Diplomats

India Reiterates Call For Reduction In Canadian Diplomats

By LokMarg

Stating that India’s focus is achieving ‘parity’ in terms of diplomatic presence, the Ministry of External Affairs further called for a reduction in Canadian diplomats in India citing their continued “interference” in New Delhi’s “internal matters”.

This comes amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada after which New Delhi suspended the visa operations to Canada and called for a reduction in Canadian diplomats in India.

Addressing the press briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “Given the much higher presence of diplomats or diplomatic presence here…and their continued interference in our internal matters, we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence. Discussions are ongoing on the modalities of achieving this”.

“Given that Canadian diplomatic presence is higher, we would assume that there would be a reduction,” he added.

On being asked if the reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats could see a decrease in the number of visas issued by the Canadian High Commission in India, Bagchi said, “It’s up to the Canadian side, who they choose to staff the High Commission with…our concerns are related to ensuring parity in diplomatic presence”.

He further added that India’s primary focus is on two things; having an atmosphere in Canada, where Indian diplomats can work properly and in achieving parity in terms of diplomatic strength.

Last month too, India had cited Canada’s “diplomatic interference in internal matters”, and stated there should be a parity in diplomatic staff strength.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had recently alleged that the Indian government was behind the fatal shooting of Nijjar.

Trudeau, during a debate in the Canadian Parliament, claimed his country’s national security officials had reasons to believe that “agents of the Indian government” carried out the killing of the Canadian citizen, who also served as the president of Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.

However, India has outrightly rejected the claims, calling it ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated’.

Notably, Canada has yet to provide any public evidence to support the claim about the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Meanwhile, Trudeau has said that Ottawa wants to “work constructively with India” regarding the allegations.

Nijjar, who was a designated terrorist in India, was gunned down outside a Gurdwara, in a parking area in Canada’s Surrey, British Columbia on June 18. (ANI)

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Justin Trudeau

Canada Not Looking To Escalate Situation With India: Trudeau 

By LokMarg

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday said that his country was not “looking to escalate the situation with India,” adding that Ottawa wants remain on the ground in New Delhi to help Canadians, Reuters reported. 

“Canada is not looking to escalate the situation with India, will continue to engage responsibly and constructively with New Delhi. We want to be on the ground in India to help the Canadian families there,” Reuters quoted Trudeau as saying. 

Trudeau had said last week that Canada is still committed to building closer ties with India, despite “credible allegations of the Indian government’s involvement” in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada-based National Post reported. India has rejected the claims as “absurd” and “motivated”.

Pointing to the increasing influence of India worldwide, Trudeau said that it is “extremely important” that Canada and its allies continue to engage with India.

“India is a growing economic power and important geopolitical player. And as we presented with our Indo-Pacific strategy, just last year, we’re very serious about building closer ties with India,” he had told reporters.

“At the same time, obviously, as a rule of law country, we need to emphasize that India needs to work with Canada to ensure that we get the full facts of this matter,” National Post quoted Trudeau as saying.

Trudeau’s remarks have come amid a diplomatic row between India and Canada which started after the Canadian PM levelled allegations.

Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was killed outside a gurdwara in Canada’s Surrey on June 18. India has also expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a reciprocal move to Canada expelling a senior Indian diplomat.

During a debate in the Canadian Parliament, Trudeau claimed Canada’s national security officials had reasons to believe that “agents of the Indian government” carried out the killing of Nijjar.  India outrightly rejected the claims.

Last week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the Canadian attitude towards terrorists, extremist people who openly advocate violence is very permissive.

“This has been an issue of great friction for many years with Canada. But in the last few years, it has come back very much into play because of what we consider to be a very permissive Canadian attitude towards terrorists, extremist people who openly advocate violence. And they have been given operating space in Canada because of the compulsions of Canadian politics.”

Speaking on the India-Canada row in Washington, Jaishankar stated that the Indian diplomats

“…For us, it has certainly been a country where, organized crime from India, mixed with trafficking in people, mixed with secessionism, violence, terrorism– it’s a very toxic combination of issues and people, who have found operating space there.”

“Today, I’m actually in a situation where my diplomats are unsafe going to the embassy, or to the consulate in Canada. They are publicly intimidated. And that has actually compelled me to temporarily suspend even visa operations in Canada,” he added.

Jaishankar said that he also spoke with the US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and US State Secretary Antony Blinken about Canada.

“The Canadian PM made some allegations initially privately, and then publicly. And our response to him, both in private and public– what he was alleging was not consistent with our policy. And that if he had, if his government had anything relevant and specific they would like us to look into, we were open to looking at it. Now, that’s where that conversation is at this point of time,” Jaishankar said.

Amid strained ties with Canada, India also issued an advisory for its citizens and those who are travelling to Canada to exercise “utmost caution in view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence” in the country. (ANI)

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