India committed "a horrific mistake" by reportedly meddling aggressively in Canada's sovereignty, according to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who made the statement on Wednesday. Following Canada's expulsion of six Indian diplomats on charges of participating in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader and connecting them to a larger campaign against Indian dissidents in Canada, this statement was made.
In a year-long conflict between the two countries that has seriously harmed their bilateral relations, Trudeau's comments are the toughest stance he has made. He underlined the seriousness of the problem with these remarks during an independent investigation into foreign meddling in Canadian politics.
In reference to the purported targeting of Sikh separatists by Indian diplomats, Trudeau claimed that the Indian government had gone too far in attempting to meddle with Canada's safety and sovereignty. The Canadian government's worries about foreign meddling on its territory are highlighted by this expulsion of diplomats.
In a succinct but resolute statement, India said that Trudeau's testimony validated New Delhi's assessment that Canada had not shown any hard proof to back up its charges against Indian officials. The statement from the Indian foreign ministry also held Trudeau solely accountable for the strained relations.
Trudeau did not disclose any specific tactics or methods, but he did imply that Ottawa might take additional steps to protect Canadian citizens. As the diplomatic dispute intensifies, tensions between the two nations continue to be high.
Six Canadian diplomats were dismissed from New Delhi in a tit-for-tat measure in reprisal for India's continuous denials of the meddling claims. The future of India-Canada relations has come under scrutiny due to the diplomatic impasse.
Deeper tensions between Canada and India are reflected in the escalating conflict, especially with regard to Sikh separatists in Canada. Any attempts at reconciliation in the near future are probably going to be made more difficult by the continued tension.
