Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing that Canada's intention was not to "provoke" India in the wake of allegations regarding a "potential link" between individuals purportedly affiliated with the Indian government and the killing of Sikh militant Hardeep Singh Nijaar.
Trudeau, as reported by Reuters, stated, "The government of India needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that, we are not looking to provoke or escalate."
Trudeau's comments followed a controversial speech he delivered in Parliament, which generated significant attention.
"In recent weeks, Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations suggesting a possible connection between individuals associated with the Government of India and the death of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar," Trudeau stated during his address to the House of Commons.
In response to these allegations, the Canadian government expelled a senior Indian diplomat.
India, however, vehemently denied any involvement in the allegations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement dismissing the claims, stating, "Allegations of the Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated."
As a retaliatory measure, India also expelled a high-ranking Canadian diplomat.
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