India-Canada Tensions: Justin Trudeau’s Remarks after Meeting PM Modi at G7 Summit in Italy

Justin Trudeau recently made comments regarding his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit in Italy. He mentioned a commitment to work together with India on important issues. This meeting occurred amidst strained ties, following Canadian authorities’ allegations of India’s involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, who was wanted in India on terror charges, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey.

Canada’s allegations led to a diplomatic row, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats by both countries. Three Indians were arrested in Canada in connection with Nijjar’s murder. India has asserted that political interests are at play in this matter, emphasizing that separatists and extremists have been given political space in Canada. While Trudeau stated that the investigation is not limited to the three Indians, S Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, highlighted Canada’s issuance of visas to individuals with links to organised crime, despite warnings from Delhi.

India continues to emphasize its core issue with Canada, citing the space given to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements. This issue remains a point of contention between the two countries.