IN A primary such assertion that would thaw the frozen diplomatic ties between India and Canada over the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar final 12 months, Canada’s Deputy International Minister David Morrison has mentioned there’s “one India” and “India’s territorial integrity have to be revered”.
At a public listening to of the Canadian overseas interference fee in Ottawa on October 4, beamed on the nation’s parliamentary channel, Morrison mentioned, “Canada’s coverage may be very clear that India’s territorial integrity have to be revered. There’s one India, and that’s been made very clear.”
The assertion was meant to make clear Ottawa’s place on the stance of Khalistanis, a lot of whom are Canadian residents, a problem on which India has expressed considerations a number of occasions over the previous few years. He mentioned, “Nonetheless, there are advocates for a Khalistani homeland in several international locations, together with in Canada.”
“Canada and India are companions going again many a long time. India is an more and more important international participant and Canada is taking account of that in its insurance policies,” he mentioned.
He famous that there was an “upswing within the ties” until the G20 Summit in September 2023, and the 2 nations had been additionally engaged on a overseas commerce settlement. Nevertheless, the assassination of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, on Canadian soil “set in prepare a sequence of occasions culminating within the expulsion of 41 diplomats”.
Whereas admitting that the ties are in a “difficult place”, Morrison mentioned the 2 international locations have channels of communication open and are persevering with to speak.
In September 2023, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau made an announcement within the Home of Commons in regards to the “potential involvement” of Indian brokers within the killing of Nijjar. India rejected Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd” and “motivated” and expressed concern over Canada changing into a hub of pro-Khalistan Sikhs.
Bilateral ties plummeted following the row and commerce talks between the 2 nations derailed. Canada arrested 4 Indian nationals in the midst of their investigations into the Nijjar case.
After Lok Sabha polls in June this 12 months, Trudeau, whereas congratulating PM Narendra Modi on his re-election, had mentioned talks with India can now resume on “some very severe points round nationwide safety and maintaining Canadians protected and the rule of legislation”.
In June this 12 months, the Canadian Parliament had noticed a second of silence within the reminiscence of Nijjar. India had responded with a memorial service in Vancouver to pay tribute to the 329 victims of the Air India flight bombed by Khalistani terrorists in 1985.
On September 7, 2023, Canada established a Public Inquiry into International Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Establishments, specializing in India, China, Russia and different overseas actors. The ultimate report of the inquiry is to be submitted by December 31 this 12 months.
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