Canada has taken a major u-turn and has now said that there is no evidence to link, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister DS Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to criminal activities in the country.
The statement comes a day after two media outlets in Canada had said that the trio had information about criminal activities such as the killing of Khalistan terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had kicked off a storm when he said that Indian agents were behind the killing of Nijjar in Canada.
Trudeau’s Intelligence Advisor in a statement said, ‘ on October 14, because of a significant and ongoing threat to public safety, the RCMP and officials took the extraordinary step of making public accusations of serious criminal activity in Canada perpetrated by agents of the Government of India.’
“The government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada. Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate,” the statement by Nathalie G Drouin read.
How Trudeau kicked off a row
With his position looking shaky, Trudeau had in October escalated the diplomatic war with Bharat when he publicly accused Bharat of conducting covert operations in Canada. He said that Canadian officials had made multiple attempts to collaborate with Indian authorities but faced refusals constantly.
He went on to add that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had evidence linking the Indian government agents to activities such as information gathering and coercion. He further said that New Delhi should refrain from such activity and respect the sovereignty of his country.
Following this, members of his administration confessed that they had given information to The Washington Post stating that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was behind the plot to kill Nijjar.
Further the Canadian authorities also planted stories in The Globe and Mail stating that PM Modi, NSA Doval and Dr. Jaishankar were aware of this plot. Citing unidentified officials, the media outlets said that the Canadian and American Intelligence had tied the assassination operations to Amit Shah.
What explains the u-turn
Trudeau has had very little support from the international community following his reckless allegations against Bharat. The world is aware that these statements backing hardcore terrorists whose predecessors were involved in acts of vandalism, violence and also the Kanishka bombing are being done to serve Trudeau’s personal goal.
Trudeau finds himself in an awkward situation currently. His is running and is at the mercy of pro-khalistan elements. He is relying on the backing of the New Democratic Party led by a known Khalistan sympathiser Jagmeet Singh. While Singh’s party withdrew support to Trudeau’s liberal government, it still continues to back him behind the scenes.
Further, Trudeau’s prospects are not looking good in the upcoming elections. His ratings have hit an all time low and every pollster has predicted a crushing defeat for him. This has made him look towards the pro Khalistan elements who control some portion of the voters in Canada.
Trudeau also finds himself all alone on the international scene. He has realised that his foreign policy concerning Bharat does not have much takers. Bharat is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. When the world wants to do business with Bharat, none would risk backing a Trudeau who has been talking out his hat while make senseless allegations against Bharat and that too the top brass.
How Bharat kept the pressure on Trudeau
New Delhi since day one has maintained that Trudeau’s allegations are baseless and politically motivated. The Ministry of External Affairs has said that Trudeau and his government were using an anti-Bharat rhetoric for political gains.
Further Trudeau has been exposed publicly when instances of his past actions which include his association with political groups which back separatism in Bharat were made public. Bharat has also managed to convince the international community that Trudeau is providing a platform to extremist elements, especially in the light of the investigation into Nijjar’s murder.
Bharat further stepped up the pressure after it expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its high commissioner from Canada. The foreign ministry also summoned Canada’s charge d’affaires Stewart Wheeler and expressed discontent over the allegations. Bharat also warned him that further retaliatory actions would follow if Canada did not back down.
New Delhi also worked relentlessly in the background on the issue. It has managed to build up a strong case against the Khalistan elements. There are several investigations mainly by the National Investigation Agency against these Khalistan elements. Bharat has also made the list of its most wanted who are being protected in Canada. The list has been in the public domain and also shared with the Interpol.
For Bharat the issue is not about Trudeau and his political standing. It has made it clear that it has every right to ensure the safety of its citizens and also the sovereignty of the nation.
Most importantly, the security agencies have not allowed this Khalistan movement to thrive in Punjab. While several attempts have been made, the movement has fallen flat in Bharat.
An official tells Organiser that Bharat will continue to keep up the heat on Canada. There is no way that Canada will get away with this and all attempts will be made to ensure that those Khalistanis being nurtured in Canada will be brought to justice. This process may take long, but with the pursuit being relentless in nature, Bharat would legally and logically put an end to this issue, the official also said.
