NEW DELHI: Ambassador Kanwal Sibal strongly criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for deteriorating ties with India. He stated, “Trudeau is solely responsible for ruining our ties with Canada.”
While discussing India’s relations with Canada at a panel organized by The Shaheed Nanak Singh Foundation on Indo-US relations and neighborhood issues, Sibel Remarked, “Trudeau is a fool and has no sense of geopolitics, as he mishandled the diplomatic rift between India and Canada, especially regarding the Hardeep Singh Nijjar situation.”
Sibel argued that Trudeau’s mismanagement has strained bilateral ties, calling his approach reckless and short-sighted. The issue centers on Trudeau’s accusations of Indian involvement in the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which India has strongly denied. Sibel suggests that Trudeau’s actions have exacerbated tensions without presenting conclusive evidence.
In September 2023, Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of being involved in Nijjar’s assassination. Nijjar was a prominent Sikh activist in Canada, a vocal proponent of an independent Sikh state, Khalistan, and had been designated a terrorist by India.
In response to the allegations, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, leading Canada to do the same. This tit-for-tat escalation marked a significant downturn in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The diplomatic tensions have also affected trade relations. Canada announced a suspension of trade talks with India, which could have significant economic implications for both countries. India is one of Canada’s largest trading partners in South Asia, and the relationship encompasses various sectors, including agriculture, technology, and energy.
The panel discussion was held at the India International Centre in New Delhi on October 23, 2024, featuring Ambassadors Kanwal Sibal, Shyam Saran, and Jayant Prasad, with Lord Rami Ranger CBE serving as the Chief Patron.
The panel also focused on India’s strategic partnership with the US in defense, technology, and other sectors.