India-Canada diplomatic tensions: Work with us, take allegations seriously, says Justin Trudeau
India-Canada diplomatic tensions: In the midst of increasingly strained diplomatic ties, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged India to cooperate with an ongoing murder investigation. The Western country is currently investigating "credible allegations" that "Indian government agents" were involved in the June killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Trudeau, on the other hand, refuses to elaborate on the evidence reportedly linking India to the murder.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked New Delhi to 'take the allegations seriously' and work with Ottawa to allow justice to run its course. His remarks came only hours after India announced a temporary suspension of visas for Canadian citizens due to "security threats" to its high commission and consulates in the other country.
“I call upon the government of India to work with us, to take seriously these allegations and to allow justice to follow its course…We have a rigorous and independent justice system and robust processes that will follow their course," the Canadian PM said.
The controversy arose on Monday after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of "potential" involvement in the killing. The charges have been described as 'absurd' by New Delhi.
Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Thursday that Canada did not share any information about the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
"We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have received no specific information from Canada," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
"From our side, specific evidence about criminal activities by individuals based on Canadian soil has been shared with Canada but not acted upon…Yes, I do think there is a degree of prejudice here. They have made allegations and taken action against them. To us, it seems that these allegations by the government of Canada are primarily politically driven," he further said.
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- With inputs from agencies
