Canadian opposition leader criticises Trudeau over India diplomatic row

Ottawa: Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party in Canada and a leading choice for the position of Prime Minister, has voiced strong criticism against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his handling of the diplomatic dispute with India.

He believes that Trudeau's actions over the years have made him unworthy, resulting in Canada's diminished standing on the global stage. Poilievre pledged to restore a professional relationship with India if his party comes to power in the 2025 general elections.

In an interview with Nepalese media outlet Namaste Radio Toronto, Poilievre highlighted the strained relationship between Canada and India, citing it as another example of Trudeau's eight-year tenure leading to domestic division and damaged international ties. He expressed a need for a professional relationship with India, emphasising its status as the world's largest democracy, and the importance of managing disagreements while being accountable. He vowed to reestablish this professional rapport if he becomes the Prime Minister.

Poilievre extended his critique to other aspects of Trudeau's foreign policy, claiming that China was interfering in Canada and that U.S. President Joe Biden was not treating the Canadian Prime Minister with respect.

According to him, Trudeau's leadership has diminished Canada's global reputation and created an embarrassing situation when he welcomed a controversial figure into the Canadian parliament during a visit by the President of Ukraine.

When addressing incidents of vandalism at a Hindu temple and acts of Hinduphobia in Canada, Poilievre strongly condemned these actions, emphasising that freedom includes the ability to worship without fear or harm. He suggested that criminal charges should be laid against those responsible for attacking Hindu temples or individuals.

Recent polling by Canadian news platform Global News indicated that 40% of Canadians preferred Poilievre as their Prime Minister, while Trudeau received 31% of the support.

The strained relations between India and Canada have reached a low point, particularly since Trudeau's statements in the Canadian parliament regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Canada recently withdrew 41 diplomats from India, alleging unethical plans to revoke diplomatic immunity for its diplomats. India asserted that it was pursuing parity in mutual diplomatic presence, and its actions were consistent with international norms.