Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday urged India to “take seriously” the affair between the two countries, in the midst of a diplomatic crisis after the assassination of a Sikh leader in western Canada.
“The Government of India must take this matter seriously. This is what we do on our side, we do not seek to provoke or escalate,” he told the press.
Canada explained on Monday that there were “credible elements” suggesting that New Delhi was responsible for the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, in front of his temple last June. Accusations described as “absurd” by the government of Narendra Modi.
This peak of tensions led to the mutual expulsion of diplomats on Monday.
This matter “is extremely serious and has significant consequences, both in terms of international law and in other aspects for Canada,” continued Justin Trudeau.
“We will follow the evidence and ensure that the work is done to hold those responsible to account,” said the head of the Canadian government.
An activist for the creation of a Sikh state known as Khalistan, Mr. Nijjar was wanted by the Indian authorities for alleged acts of terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder.
Accusations that he denied, according to the World Sikh Organization of Canada, a non-profit organization which claims to defend the interests of Canadian Sikhs.
Relations between the two countries have been strained in recent months since the assassination of the Sikh leader and the protests that followed in Canada.
The Indian government accuses Ottawa of turning a blind eye to the activities of radical Sikh nationalists who advocate the creation of an independent Sikh state in northern India.
Signs of the brewing crisis, Ottawa recently suspended negotiations for a free trade agreement with India and the Minister of Commerce last week canceled a planned trip to the country in October.