India’s robust and direct response to Canada’s recent allegations has garnered support from an unexpected quarter, with Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda, affirming India’s stance and emphasizing Sri Lanka’s unwavering stand against terrorism. This development comes as tensions between India and Canada have escalated following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of India’s involvement in the murder of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Addressing a press conference, Moragoda expressed his admiration for India’s resolute response to the allegations, stating, “I think India’s response has been inequitable and also firm and direct. And I think as far as we are concerned, we support India on that.” He went on to highlight the impact of terrorism on Sri Lanka, where the nation has grappled with various forms of terrorism for decades, resulting in the loss of countless lives. “Our position on these matters, I think, is very clear because we have endured and we have suffered. And as a country that has gone through that, tolerance for terrorism is zero tolerance,” Moragoda added.
The strained relations between India and Canada originated from Trudeau’s assertion on September 18 that India was involved in the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Nijjar, designated as a terrorist in India, was killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, on June 18. India swiftly rejected the allegations, dismissing them as “absurd” and “motivated.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement stating, “Allegations of the Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated.”
In response to Canada’s actions, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a reciprocal move, following Canada’s expulsion of a senior Indian diplomat in connection with the claims of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing.
The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, later commented on the situation, characterizing Canada’s allegations as “politically driven” and suggesting a degree of prejudice. Bagchi also noted that India had not received any specific information from Canada regarding the incident.
The unexpected backing of India’s stance by Sri Lanka’s outgoing High Commissioner underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding diplomatic relations in a global context. As tensions persist, the international community will be closely monitoring developments between India and Canada.
Sources By Agencies
