Trudeau reaffirms commitment to maintaining strong ties with India amidst ongoing disagreement

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening ties with India, despite an ongoing diplomatic dispute. The tensions between the two nations reached a new low when Trudeau stated on 19 September that Canada was investigating credible allegations of India's involvement in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader. In response, Delhi dismissed the claim as absurd. The murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which occurred in Canada in June, heightened the tension between the two countries. Despite this, Trudeau emphasized the importance of engaging with India in a constructive and serious manner, considering India's status as a growing economic power and significant geopolitical player. The strained relationship was further highlighted during the G20 summit in Delhi on 9 September, where Trudeau skipped an official dinner of the leaders and had a brief, frosty meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi. Both countries have since expelled a diplomat from the other nation, and India suspended visa services for Canadians due to security concerns. Trudeau acknowledged the significance of the relationship with India, while also expressing the need to continue the murder investigation and ensure all facts are obtained. India has consistently denied any involvement in Nijjar's murder, stating that he had been designated a terrorist by Delhi in 2020. The dispute between India and Canada, previously close allies, has also put pressure on Western countries. The US, UK, and Australia have urged India to cooperate in the investigation without criticizing the nation, as they view India as a counterbalance to China's influence in Asia. Trudeau mentioned that the US assured him that the allegations would be raised during a meeting between their foreign secretary and his Indian counterpart, but no mention of Canada was made during the subsequent press conference.