Ottawa, In a recent public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada’s elections, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau brought attention to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani Sikh leader, which he attributed to Indian intelligence agencies operating on Canadian soil. This assertion underscores ongoing tensions between Canada and India, particularly concerning the protection of Canadian citizens and sovereignty.

According to Kashmir Media Service, during his testimony on Wednesday, Trudeau criticized the previous Canadian government for its close relations with India. He discussed how his administration responded to intelligence about foreign interference during the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, emphasizing the commitment of his government to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all Canadians.

The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June last year in Surrey, which Trudeau suggested might involve Indian agents, notably strained India-Canada relations after Trudeau’s public acknowledgment in September. The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of protecting Canadian residents from foreign powers’ coercion and interference, using Nijjar’s case as a key example of his government’s efforts to uphold the rights of Canadians.

Trudeau’s comments during the inquiry highlight his administration’s stance on foreign interference and the measures taken to protect national integrity and individual freedoms against external influences.