The recent accusation made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, suggesting Indian involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh leader, has created a stir in India. Memories of the armed Sikh insurgency in the 1980s, in which thousands lost their lives, still haunt the nation, making Trudeau’s claim particularly sensitive. India has vehemently rejected the allegation, dismissing it as “absurd.” As a result, tensions between India and Canada have escalated, leading to a diplomatic standoff between the two nations.
This controversy has gained significant attention on social media platforms, with hashtags related to Canada, Trudeau, and Nijjar trending on X (formerly Twitter). Many Indians have expressed their anger towards Canada and supported the Indian government’s response. Online news portals have published headlines highlighting India’s “savage reply” and how it has “thrashed” Canada in this dispute.
Even India’s main opposition party, the Congress, has extended its support to the government’s stance, emphasizing the importance of unitedly fighting terrorism without compromise. They believe that safeguarding India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity should always be a priority. Jairam Ramesh, a Congress spokesperson, reaffirmed this on X.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a significant figure in the Sikh separatist movement, was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia. Delhi has previously regarded him as a terrorist and leader of a militant separatist group but denied involvement in his murder. Indian analysts have indicated that Trudeau’s allegations may have a negative impact on bilateral relations, as they perceive it as further strain on the already fragile Canada-India friendship.
Prominent commentators have criticized Trudeau for potentially prioritizing Sikh votes in Canada and for his political alliance with Sikh radicals. Canada has a sizable Sikh diaspora, particularly in Punjab. Smita Prakash, a journalist from the Asian News International (ANI), accused Trudeau of bias and compromising the investigation and judicial process by blaming India before seeking cooperation. She highlighted the irony of asking for collaboration while simultaneously accusing Indian authorities.
The India-Canada relationship has encountered several challenges in recent months. Trudeau’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 summit in Delhi was reportedly “frosty,” and subsequent trade talks between the two nations were called off. Additionally, Trudeau’s extended stay in Delhi due to airplane troubles was extensively covered by local media, with several news outlets portraying it as a snub and a disastrous trip.
As this diplomatic row continues to unfold, it remains uncertain how it will impact the long-term relationship between India and Canada. The allegations made by Trudeau have further strained ties, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the issue and the need for careful diplomacy moving forward. Both nations must navigate this situation with utmost caution to prevent any further deterioration in bilateral relations.
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