NEW DELHI: The Canadian Parliament observed a minute of silence on Tuesday to commemorate the one-year death anniversary of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
In June 2023, Nijjar, who had been designated as a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in 2020, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey. The incident led to heightened tensions between India and Canada, particularly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing.Nijjar’s name had appeared on a list of 40 other ‘designated terrorists’ released by the Indian government.
Canada has arrested four Indian nationals in connection with the case. India has consistently maintained that there has been no official or diplomatic communication from Canada regarding the Sikh separatist killing or the four arrests made. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has strongly rejected the Canadian allegations, deeming them “absurd and motivated”.
Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trudeau met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy. Following the meeting, the Canadian PM discussed a shared commitment between the two nations to address critical issues in the future.
Earlier this month, Trudeau had congratulated PM Modi on his re-election, stating, “Congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his electoral victory. Canada stands ready to work with his government to advance the relationship between our nations’ peoples—anchored to human rights, diversity, and the rule of law.”
In response, PM Modi said, “India looks forward to working with Canada based on mutual understanding and respect for each other’s concerns.”
In June 2023, Nijjar, who had been designated as a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in 2020, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey. The incident led to heightened tensions between India and Canada, particularly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing.Nijjar’s name had appeared on a list of 40 other ‘designated terrorists’ released by the Indian government.
Canada has arrested four Indian nationals in connection with the case. India has consistently maintained that there has been no official or diplomatic communication from Canada regarding the Sikh separatist killing or the four arrests made. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has strongly rejected the Canadian allegations, deeming them “absurd and motivated”.
Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trudeau met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy. Following the meeting, the Canadian PM discussed a shared commitment between the two nations to address critical issues in the future.
Earlier this month, Trudeau had congratulated PM Modi on his re-election, stating, “Congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his electoral victory. Canada stands ready to work with his government to advance the relationship between our nations’ peoples—anchored to human rights, diversity, and the rule of law.”
In response, PM Modi said, “India looks forward to working with Canada based on mutual understanding and respect for each other’s concerns.”