Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused India of violating Canadian sovereignty in connection with the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year in Vancouver. This accusation comes amid worsening diplomatic relations between Canada and India, which recently saw both countries expel each other’s ambassadors.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Trudeau’s statement intensified the standoff, which escalated following Canada’s allegation of Indian involvement in the murder of Nijjar outside a Sikh temple. Canadian authorities have arrested four Indian nationals linked to the assassination, asserting that these actions were part of a broader pattern of Indian operations on Canadian soil.

During a hearing on foreign interference, Trudeau detailed how investigations had uncovered evidence of India’s actions that compromised Canadian sovereignty. “We have clear and increasingly evident indications that India has violated Canada’s sovereignty,” Trudeau declared. He reported that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had found significant involvement by the Indian government in activities that not only enabled but directed violence against Canadians.

In response to Canada presenting these findings, India reacted by intensifying its attacks against the Canadian government and expelling a large number of Canadian diplomats without justified reasons, as stated by Trudeau.

Despite these severe allegations, Trudeau expressed his wish to sustain a positive relationship with India, acknowledging its importance as a significant trading partner. However, he affirmed his commitment to defending Canadian sovereignty and upholding the safety and rights of Canadian citizens.