Toronto (Web Desk): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned India's alleged interference in Canada, labeling it a "horrific mistake."
This statement follows recent diplomatic tensions linked to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which Canadian authorities believe involves Indian diplomats.
Trudeau made these comments during a session on foreign interference in Canadian politics, shortly after his government expelled Indian diplomats believed to be associated with the incident.
Trudeau asserted that the Indian government erred in thinking it could interfere so aggressively in Canada's safety and sovereignty.
His remarks mark a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic spat, which has strained relations between Canada and India.
In reaction, India’s foreign ministry released a concise statement indicating that Trudeau’s comments confirmed their stance that Canada has not provided any substantiation for its allegations against Indian diplomats.
The statement suggested that Trudeau alone is responsible for the worsening relations between the two nations.
Trudeau mentioned that the Canadian government might take further actions to safeguard its citizens, although he did not elaborate on what those steps might entail. Meanwhile, India has retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats.
Meanwhile, PM Trudeau alleged that some members of the opposition Conservative Party could be engaged in foreign interference, indicating that the party is not addressing the matter seriously enough.
He claimed to have intelligence regarding certain Conservative parliamentarians who may be vulnerable to foreign influence but later softened his remarks, suggesting that the information might be incomplete or based on limited sources.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has chosen not to seek the security clearance necessary to review all the intelligence from the investigation, arguing that doing so would hinder his ability to comment on the proceedings.
Trudeau has reportedly asked the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to inform Poilievre about Conservative members who could be susceptible to foreign interference.