Justin Trudeau’s Canada Takes a U-turn on PM Modi Link Up With Nijjar Killing, Is Canadian PM on the Backfoot?
Justin Trudeau: The relationship between India and Canada has faced unprecedented tension since the controversial killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau initially stirred global attention by alleging a potential link between the Indian government and Nijjar’s death. However, a recent twist in the saga—Canada’s quiet withdrawal—has left many wondering if Trudeau is now on the defensive.
Justin Trudeau Canada’s Initial Accusations
The controversy erupted when a prominent Canadian newspaper reported claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key Indian officials, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, were allegedly aware of Nijjar’s murder in advance. These assertions were not backed by substantial evidence but were enough to strain India-Canada relations significantly.
India, known for its measured yet firm diplomatic responses, reacted strongly to these accusations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the claims as baseless and demanded tangible proof. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal categorically called out Canada for relying on speculative narratives rather than verifiable facts.
The U-Turn: Canada Clarifies Its Stance
Following this, Canada backtracked on its earlier claims. On November 22, the Canadian government issued an official statement denying any links between PM Modi, Jaishankar, or Doval to Nijjar’s murder. The statement highlighted that the earlier allegations were speculative and unfounded, adding that there was no credible evidence to implicate Indian leadership in the incident.
This abrupt U-turn has drawn widespread attention, exposing the fragility of Trudeau’s earlier stance. For many observers, it signals a significant diplomatic retreat, further weakening Trudeau’s position on the global stage.
Political Motivations Behind Justin Trudeau’s Accusations?
Trudeau’s consistent targeting of India has sparked debates about his motivations. With elections around the corner in Canada, some experts argue that his rhetoric might be aimed at consolidating support from the Sikh community, which holds considerable electoral influence in the country. By taking an anti-India stance, Trudeau might be attempting to cater to a specific voter base, even at the cost of deteriorating bilateral ties.
However, this strategy appears to be backfiring. Trudeau’s repeated allegations without evidence have not only invited criticism but also raised questions about his credibility as a leader.
Implications for India-Canada Relations
The diplomatic fallout from this episode is likely to leave a lasting impact. India-Canada relations have been under strain for years due to Canada’s perceived leniency toward pro-Khalistani elements. This incident has further deepened the rift, with India adopting a no-nonsense approach to unfounded accusations.
As Trudeau grapples with domestic and international criticism, his political future looks uncertain. The retraction of such serious allegations might weaken his standing both at home and abroad. With growing speculation about his slim re-election prospects, the spotlight is now on whether Trudeau can recover from this diplomatic setback.
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