The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong condemnation of the Canadian Parliament’s recent decision to observe a minute of silence in memory of Hardeep Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist. Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA spokesperson, stated during a weekly briefing that India unequivocally opposes any action that grants political space to extremist ideologies and those who advocate violence. Nijjar was killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. Following this incident, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations in September of last year regarding a potential involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s murder, significantly straining relations between the two countries. However, India has vehemently dismissed these allegations, calling them absurd and motivated. It is important to note that Nijjar was designated a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2023. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are currently investigating Nijjar’s murder, and four Indian nationals have been arrested in connection with the case.
The MEA has also voiced concerns regarding the emergence of Khalistani ‘Citizen’s Courts’ in Canada. Jaiswal emphasized that India has repeatedly expressed its serious concern over these activities and urged the Canadian government to take decisive action. He asserted that the political space provided to extremist anti-India elements and those advocating violence must cease, and Canada must take concrete steps to address this issue. India’s stance on this matter was further underscored by a diplomatic note (note verbale) issued to the Canadian High Commission on Thursday. The note conveyed India’s strong objection to the recent actions of Khalistani elements in Canada.
Last week, during the G7 Summit in Italy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau has stated that there is an alignment between India and Canada on several significant issues and that he sees an opportunity to engage with the new Indian government. However, the recent events involving Khalistani activities in Canada highlight the ongoing tensions between the two countries, and India’s call for decisive action from Canada on this issue remains a key point of contention.
