In a panel discussion at the Hudson Institute think-tank, US expert Michael Rubin dismissed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claim of a “potential link” between Indian government agents and the assassination of a Khalistani leader, terming it as a “shameless and cynical action.” As a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Rubin urged the US to avoid involvement in this matter, emphasizing that Trudeau’s stance could inadvertently support those who view the Khalistani movement as driven by personal gain rather than legitimate concerns.
Following Trudeau’s allegations, both Canada and India have expelled a senior diplomat each. The incident in question involves the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force and one of India’s most-wanted terrorists, was a key figure in the Khalistani movement.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India outrightly rejected Trudeau’s claims as “absurd” and urged the Government of Canada to take immediate legal action against all anti-India elements operating from its soil. The MEA highlighted that such unsubstantiated allegations divert attention from the real issue of Khalistani terrorists and extremists who have found shelter in Canada and continue to pose a threat to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In response to the criticism, Trudeau stated that Canada is not trying to provoke India but instead wants New Delhi to adequately address the issue of alleged Indian government agents’ involvement in the murder of a Khalistani terrorist. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly confirmed that she has ordered the expulsion of “a senior Indian diplomat” following Trudeau’s remarks in Parliament.
Rubin raised concerns over Trudeau’s actions, questioning why the killing of Karima Baluch, allegedly carried out with Pakistani assistance, has not been taken to the Prime Minister’s office as a police matter. Rubin emphasized the need for responsible leadership and warned against populist political posturing that plays with fire. He also expressed his reluctance for the US to legitimize the Khalistani movement through cynical maneuvers by external powers.
Jassee Singh, founder and chairman of Sikhs of America, stressed that the Khalistani movement does not represent the majority voice of Sikhs in the US or India. He stated that Sikhs in India have been actively defending the nation through their participation in the Indian Army.
Dinsha Mistree, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, highlighted the potential challenges that Canada may face if it continues pushing the narrative of Indian government involvement. He emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and the need to address smaller incidents to prevent them from escalating into bigger issues.
In July, India’s consulate in San Francisco was attacked by Khalistan supporters who attempted to set the diplomatic facility on fire. This act of violence followed a similar incident a few months prior. The attackers also released a video showing the arson and referred to the death of Nijjar.
It is important to note that these developments are ongoing and that the information provided is based on PTI inputs.
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