“Cavalier Behaviour”: India’s Strong Response to Trudeau Deposition

India has responded sharply to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s deposition before a federal commission examining foreign interference, criticising his allegations regarding India’s role in the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In an official statement, India’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, “What we have heard today only confirms what we have said all along – Canada has presented no evidence whatsoever to support the serious allegations it has levelled against India and its diplomats. The responsibility for the damage this cavalier behaviour has caused to India-Canada relations lies with Prime Minister Trudeau alone.”

During his deposition on Wednesday, 16th October, Mr. Trudeau reiterated the allegation that India was involved in Nijjar’s death, though he admitted that the information was based on intelligence, not evidence. He defended the decision to make the accusation public, saying it was important to assure Canadians of the government’s commitment to their security. “We wanted the public to know that we were taking action,” he said.

The Canadian Prime Minister added that if India was involved, it would have been a “massive mistake.” He maintained that his government “had reasons to believe” India’s involvement but acknowledged the absence of a discussion on evidence during the commission hearing.

Mr. Trudeau emphasised that Canada supports India’s territorial integrity and adheres to a ‘One India’ policy, despite the presence of individuals in Canada who oppose it. “There are people in Canada who argue otherwise, but it is neither our policy nor illegal in Canada,” he noted.

Trudeau claimed that India’s response to Canada’s concerns was to undermine Canada’s government and democratic integrity. He also stated that discussions on the matter were held discreetly during the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, as Canada sought to avoid public tension with India.

On the refusal to waive diplomatic immunity for Indian officials, Mr. Trudeau said, “It was not surprising, as even Canada would deny such requests under similar circumstances.”