Justin Trudeau claims India had role in horror shooting outside temple in Canada

President Xi speaks to Justin Trudeau at G20 Summit Tensions between India and Canada escalated as both nations expelled diplomats in the aftermath of allegations connecting the Indian government to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India vehemently denied any involvement and termed the allegations as “absurd,” while Canada responded by expelling a top Indian diplomat. The controversy unfolded on Tuesday when India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, accusing Canada of unwarranted interference in its internal affairs. The move came a day after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly voiced what he termed “credible allegations” linking India to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, an advocate for Sikh independence from India, was fatally shot on June 18 outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia. In response, Canada expelled a high-ranking Indian diplomat. READ MORE: Desperate Putin pushes for new trade route with India to bypass Europe Trudeau publicly voiced what he termed “credible allegations” linking India to the assassination Trudeau addressed the Canadian Parliament, saying: “Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty. In the strongest possible terms, I continue to urge the government of India to cooperate with Canada to get to the bottom of this matter.” This diplomatic standoff exacerbates already strained relations between Canada and India. Trade talks have been derailed, and Canada recently cancelled a planned trade mission to India for the fall. India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement justifying the expulsion, citing concerns about Canadian diplomats’ interference in its internal matters and their involvement in activities deemed anti-India. Notably, Nijjar was organising an unofficial referendum in India for an independent Sikh nation at the time of his death. Indian authorities had previously announced a cash reward for information leading to Nijjar’s arrest, accusing him of involvement in an alleged attack on a Hindu priest in India. India has repeatedly accused Canada of supporting the Sikh independence movement, known as Khalistan, which is banned in India but finds support in countries like Canada and the UK, both of which have significant Sikh diaspora populations. Canada boasts a Sikh population of more than 770,000, comprising about 2 percent of its total population. Trending SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info