LAHORE MIRROR — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to raise concerns about foreign interference, including allegations related to India, during the upcoming G20 summit.
However, the response from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains uncertain.
The Canadian government has publicly accused the Indian government of engaging in “foreign interference” in Canadian affairs, citing intelligence provided by Canadian agencies that suggest Indian involvement in Canada. This is particularly concerning in regions with a substantial Sikh population, where a significant number are seen as pro-Khalistan and anti-Hindutva.
Trudeau’s visit to India coincides with the G20 summit, where discussions on climate issues, security, gender equality, and the Russian invasion in Ukraine will take center stage.
Trudeau, whose government has recently approved a public inquiry into foreign interference allegations, is deeply concerned about this issue. During a visit to Singapore, he mentioned that his schedule was still being finalized, and a meeting with Modi in India had not been confirmed.
The Canadian government’s inquiry into foreign interference aims to shed light on activities by countries such as China and Russia. Trudeau emphasized the importance of thorough investigation wherever the evidence leads, acknowledging that interference is not limited to any specific nation.
India has previously accused elements within Canada of meddling in its internal matters, particularly concerning the Khalistani separatist movement in Punjab.
Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Indian High Commissioner in Canada, expects Trudeau and Modi to meet during the visit but is unsure about the meeting’s format.
India holds a significant position in Canada’s efforts to diversify from its primary trading partner, the United States, in the Indo-Pacific region. Nevertheless, India has also been identified as a significant source of foreign interference in Canada, as noted by Jody Thomas, Trudeau’s national security adviser.
This visit to India by Trudeau is his first since a controversial 2018 trip. While tensions arose during that visit, former High Commissioner Patel highlights shared priorities between India and Canada at the G20.
The Sikh community in Surrey has submitted a petition to the Canadian Parliament, urging an investigation into India’s involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Sikh for Justice (SFJ) claims that India played a role in Nijjar’s assassination, leading the Trudeau government to acknowledge and initiate an inquiry into India’s interference in Canada.
The petition has garnered the necessary support and signatures for it to be addressed and deliberated upon in the upcoming Parliament session in Ottawa later this month.
The petition highlights the tragic incident on June 18, 2023, when Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a respected member of the Canadian Sikh community, was fatally shot outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, BC. Nijjar was known for his peaceful service as President of the gurdwara and Chief Coordinator of the Canadian Chapter of the Global Khalistan Referendum, with no involvement in criminal activities.
Members of the Canadian Sikh community in British Columbia are calling on the Government of Canada to investigate Nijjar’s murder, uncover its motives, and identify the perpetrators. This tragic event has raised serious concerns and comes amid reports of foreign interference, including allegations related to India.
