Canada reaffirms support for territorial integrity

New Delhi:

Canada has said its position on India’s territorial integrity is absolute – the first such statement since a wedge was driven between the two nations last year over President Justin Trudeau’s allegations about the “potential” involvement of Indian government agents in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, one of India’s most wanted terrorists, was also a Canadian citizen.

Appearing before the Foreign Interference Commission in Ottawa over the weekend, Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison said: “Canada’s policy is very clear that India’s territorial integrity must be respected. There is one India and that has been made very clear.”

However, referring to the actions of pro-Khalistan elements living in Canada, he said that they were “horrible but legal.” There are things that “many of us don’t want to see” but that are protected under free speech.

The ‘One India’ declaration, however, was intended to clarify Ottawa’s position on the position of Khalistanis, many of whom are Canadian citizens. The comment is also seen as a signal to realign relations between India and Canada, which have deteriorated recently.

Canada has been sending signals to India since the Lok Sabha elections were held earlier this year, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected to a historic third term.

Trudeau said talks with India can now resume on “some very serious issues related to national security, keeping Canadians safe and the rule of law.”

Last year, India rejected Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd” and “motivated” and expressed concern that Canada would become a hub for pro-Khalistan Sikhs. Canada has not admitted this. Instead, Trudeau said Canada will always “defend freedom of speech… conscience and peaceful protest.” It will also prevent violence and repeal hatred, he added.

Subsequently, bilateral relations deteriorated rapidly and trade talks between the two nations were derailed.

In June this year, the Canadian Parliament observed a minute of silence in Nijjar’s memory. India responded by organizing a memorial service in Vancouver to pay tribute to the 329 victims of an Air India plane bombed by Khalistan terrorists in 1985.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, head of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen on June 18 last year outside a gurdwara in Surrey.

During the investigation, Canada arrested four Indian nationals. India said “there are political interests” and reiterated that separatists had been given political space in the country.