Canada reaffirms support for India's territorial integrity amid strained relations
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Canada has reaffirmed its unwavering stance on the territorial integrity of India, marking the first clear statement since tensions escalated between the two countries over allegations involving Indian government agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Nijjar, one of India’s most-wanted terrorists, was a Canadian citizen and leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force.
Speaking before the foreign interference commission in Ottawa, Canada's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Morrison, made Canada's position clear, stating, "Canada's policy is very clear that India's territorial integrity must be respected. There's one India, and that's been made very clear."
Addressing the activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, Morrison acknowledged that while their actions may be "awful," they remain "lawful" under the country's Freedom of Speech rights. This comment was seen as an attempt to balance freedom of expression with Ottawa's stance on the unity of India, signaling a possible effort to mend ties between the two nations.
Canada's relations with India have deteriorated significantly since last year, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claims about India's potential involvement in Nijjar's assassination. India dismissed the allegations as "absurd" and "motivated," expressing concerns about Canada becoming a hub for pro-Khalistan extremists. Trudeau, however, defended freedom of expression, while condemning violence and hate speech.
Bilateral relations hit a low point, with trade talks being derailed and growing diplomatic friction. Earlier this year, Canada held a moment of silence in parliament for Nijjar, prompting a response from India, which held a memorial service in Vancouver for the 329 victims of the 1985 Air India bombing, orchestrated by Khalistani terrorists.
Canada has arrested four Indian nationals in connection with Nijjar's killing, while India continues to assert that separatist elements are being given political space in Canada. Despite these tensions, Canada is now signaling a potential reset in relations, as Trudeau expressed hopes of resuming talks on critical national security issues following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic third term.