New York:Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, reiterated his commitment to the international rules-based order and upheld his claims regarding India’s alleged involvement in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, stating that there are “credible reasons” to support these assertions.
Speaking at a press conference held at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, Trudeau emphasized, “As I stated on Monday, there are credible reasons to believe that agents of the Government of India were implicated in the killing of a Canadian national on Canadian soil. This underscores the paramount significance of a nation’s adherence to the rule of law in a world where the international rules-based order holds sway. We have a rigorous, independent judiciary and robust procedural frameworks…”
During this press event, Prime Minister Trudeau fielded inquiries concerning the escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, with both nations taking a series of retaliatory measures.
Trudeau beseeched the Indian government, saying, “We earnestly call upon the Government of India to address this matter seriously and collaborate with us to ensure complete transparency and accountability in this affair.”
“We are a nation that upholds the rule of law, and our focus remains on safeguarding the well-being of our citizens while adhering to our core values and the international rules-based order,” he affirmed.
Responding to a query, Trudeau expounded, “We are staunch proponents of the rule of law and are highlighting the absolute unacceptability of any nation’s involvement in the murder of one of its citizens on its own soil.”
Trudeau underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “As a nation with a robust, independent judicial system, we must allow the legal processes to unfold with utmost integrity. Nevertheless, I assure you that the decision to present these allegations in the House of Commons on Monday morning was not taken lightly; it was executed with the utmost gravity.”
Trudeau also brought attention to his direct and candid conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the matter, noting, “I had a direct and frank conversation with Prime Minister Modi, in which I unequivocally expressed my concerns…”
Earlier today, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded to Canada’s allegations, affirming that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had rejected them during Justin Trudeau’s visit to India for the G20 Summit. The MEA stated that Canada had not shared any specific information regarding these allegations and called upon Canada to take action against individuals facing terrorism-related charges.
Significantly, India’s visa processing center in Canada promptly suspended its services.
Yesterday, the Indian government advised Indian nationals and students in Canada to refrain from traveling to regions and venues in Canada where anti-India activities have been on the rise. Indian students in Canada were particularly cautioned to exercise heightened vigilance.
Justin Trudeau had previously alleged on Monday that the Indian government was behind the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was designated as a terrorist in India. Nijjar was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Canada’s Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. Nijjar also served as the president of Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.
By ANI
