New Delhi: Canada has reaffirmed its unwavering stance on the territorial integrity of India, acknowledging “one India,” in a bid to mend strained relations between the two nations.
This comes after a tumultuous period marked by allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, in Canada last year.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs David Morrison, appearing before a foreign interference commission in Ottawa, stressed that Canada’s policy is clear, “India’s territorial integrity must be respected. There’s one India, and that’s been made very clear”. However, while clarifying Canada’s position on Khalistanis, many of whom are Canadian citizens, Morrison acknowledged that their activities, though “awful but lawful,” are protected under freedom of speech rights.
This declaration seems to signal a change in tone from Canada, aiming to restore diplomatic relations with India, which have been strained since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations last year. Trudeau’s comments sparked a diplomatic row, with India accusing Canada of harbouring separatist elements and of political motivations behind the accusations.
While maintaining a stance of defending freedom of expression and peaceful protest, Trudeau has also spoken of resuming talks with India, particularly on issues of national security and keeping Canadians safe.
Despite the ongoing investigations into Nijjar’s death, which have resulted in the arrest of four Indian nationals, Canada’s “One India” statement is seen as an attempt to bridge the gap and rekindle the relationship between the two nations.
