For the first time, Canada stated that "There is One India" and "India's territorial integrity must be respected" following allegations made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India's involvement in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Canadian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs David Morrison said, “Canada's policy is very clear: There’s one India, and that’s been made very clear." Morrison stated this at a public hearing of the Canadian foreign interference commission in Ottawa 

The statement marks the first official comment from Canada after the allegations, which have strained relations between New Delhi and Ottawa.

Morrison, who serves in Global Affairs Canada equivalent to India's Foreign Secretary, asserted that the position was "absolute."

The statement by Morrision aimed to clarify Ottawa’s position regarding Khalistanis, many of whom hold Canadian citizenship, an issue that India has raised concerns about repeatedly in recent years. He noted, “There are supporters of a Khalistani homeland in several countries, Canada included.”

He further said “Canada and India have been partners for many decades. As India becomes a more significant global player, Canada is adjusting its policies to reflect that.

He observed that there was an “upswing in the ties” leading up to the G20 Summit in September 2023, with both nations also making progress on a foreign trade agreement. However, the assassination of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, on Canadian soil triggered a chain of events that ultimately resulted in the expulsion of 41 diplomats.

Morrison acknowledged that the relationship is currently in a “complicated place,” but noted that the two countries maintain open channels of communication and continue to engage in dialogue.

In September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the House of Commons, mentioning the “potential involvement” of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing. Although, India dismissed Trudeau’s claims as “absurd” and “motivated,” raising concerns about Canada becoming a centre for pro-Khalistan Sikhs.

Bilateral relations significantly deteriorated following the controversy, causing trade negotiations between the two nations to stall. During their investigations into the Nijjar case, Canada arrested four Indian nationals.

After the Lok Sabha elections in June, Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election and expressed hope that discussions with India could resume on “serious issues regarding national security, the safety of Canadians, and the rule of law.”

There is One India
Image Source: PM India

In June, the Canadian Parliament held a moment of silence to honour Nijjar, while India organised a memorial service in Vancouver to remember the 329 victims of the Air India flight bombed by Khalistani terrorists in 1985.

Canada recently launched a Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in its federal electoral processes and democratic institutions, focusing on India, China, Russia, and other foreign actors. The inquiry is anticipated to submit its final report by December 31 of this year.

You might also be interested in - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces No-Confidence motion in Parliament