Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on Wednesday that India made “a horrific mistake” by believing it could interfere so aggressively in Canada’s sovereignty. This comment came two days after Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, linking them to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada and alleging a broader effort to target Indian dissidents within the country.
Trudeau’s remarks represent the strongest position he has taken in a year-long dispute that has significantly strained bilateral relations. He told an independent inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian politics, “The Indian government made a horrific mistake in thinking that they could interfere so aggressively in the safety and sovereignty of Canada.”
In response, India’s foreign ministry issued a brief statement, asserting that Trudeau’s remarks confirmed New Delhi’s position that Canada had provided no evidence to support its allegations against Indian diplomats. The statement added, “The responsibility for the damage that this cavalier behavior has caused to India-Canada relations lies with Prime Minister Trudeau alone.”
Trudeau indicated that Ottawa could take further steps to ensure the security of Canadians but did not provide specifics. India has denied the allegations of interference and has expelled six Canadian diplomats in a reciprocal measure.