New Delhi, India – Amidst an escalating diplomatic standoff between Canada and India, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his warm greetings for the auspicious Hindu festival of Navratri to the Hindu community residing in Canada.
In an attempt to foster goodwill, Prime Minister Trudeau conveyed his best wishes via social media, saying, “Happy Navratri! I’m sending my warmest wishes to members of the Hindu community and all those who are celebrating this festival.” Navratri, a biannual Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, spans over nine nights, occurring in the months of Chaitra (March/April) and Ashvin (September-October).
The diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have escalated after Trudeau publicly expressed suspicions last month, implicating Indian agents in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was tragically gunned down by unidentified assailants on June 18 in a Vancouver suburb. In response to these allegations, India promptly dismissed the accusations as absurd, resulting in both nations expelling diplomats.
Furthermore, India imposed a suspension on new Canadian visas and called for Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence within India. Despite these measures, Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized that Canada has no intention of intensifying the dispute, stating, “We’re taking this extremely seriously, but we’re going to continue to engage responsibly and constructively with the government of India.”
Trudeau faced a barrage of online criticism for raising the issue of India’s ties with global leaders, including discussions with the King of Jordan and the President of the UAE.
Notably, a recent exclusive survey report revealed that Prime Minister Trudeau’s approval ratings have plummeted to an all-time low following his allegations regarding India’s involvement in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This development reflects the gravity of the diplomatic rift and its impact on Trudeau’s standing in Canada.
In a related Navratri observation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a new Garba song titled “Maadi,” while the Noida Police issued a directive to refrain from unauthorized public religious activities until October 31. Across India, numerous restaurants are offering special Navratri-themed thali dishes to mark the festive season.
As the world watches closely, the India-Canada diplomatic dispute continues to be a topic of global concern, with implications for bilateral relations between the two nations.
