OTTAWA, Canada – After tensions flared over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia, India is now working with Canada to improve bilateral ties, according to a top Canadian official.
In an interview with CTV, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s national security adviser, Jody Thomas, expressed optimism about the progress in the relationship with India. This comes after Trudeau’s 2023 statement, in which he claimed that Canadian authorities were actively investigating potential links between Indian agents and the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen.
Despite India denying any formal government involvement in the murder, Canada has been urging India to cooperate in the investigation. The situation was further complicated when US authorities revealed that they had thwarted a plot to kill a Sikh separatist in the US, which seemed to support Canada’s assertions regarding India’s involvement.
Trudeau also noted a shift in India’s stance towards Ottawa after the US case, indicating a positive change in their relationship. The strained diplomatic relations have delayed discussions on a free-trade deal and posed a threat to Canada’s plans to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific region, where cooperation with India is crucial in efforts to counter an increasingly assertive China.
With around two million Canadians having Indian heritage, the relationship between Canada and India holds significant importance. However, the aftermath of the murder and the ensuing diplomatic tensions led to Canada withdrawing 41 diplomats from India after New Delhi requested Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence following Trudeau’s remarks.