Canada affirms support for India's territorial integrity amid diplomatic tensions
New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic statement, Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to respecting India’s territorial integrity, signaling a potential thaw in relations strained by last year's allegations involving the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent figure in the Khalistan separatist movement.
Canada's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Morrison, made the declaration during a foreign interference commission hearing in Ottawa over the weekend. "Canada's policy is very clear that India's territorial integrity must be respected. There's one India, and that's been made very clear," Morrison stated. This is the first formal statement of this kind since diplomatic ties between the two countries soured over allegations made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2023.
The rift between the two nations was triggered when Trudeau accused Indian government agents of being "potentially" involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force. Nijjar, one of India’s most-wanted terrorists, was fatally shot by unknown assailants outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. India had rejected Trudeau's allegations, calling them "absurd" and "politically motivated."
While reaffirming Canada's support for India's territorial sovereignty, Morrison also addressed the contentious issue of pro-Khalistan elements within Canada. He acknowledged that while the activities of these groups may be "awful" to some, they remain "lawful" under Canada's protection of freedom of speech. "There are things that many of us do not want to see, but they are protected by law," he added.
Morrison's remarks about “One India” were interpreted as a clear signal of Ottawa’s desire to mend ties with New Delhi, especially as the relationship between the two nations has experienced a sharp decline over the past year. The statement was also seen as an effort to distance the Canadian government from the stance of Khalistani separatists, many of whom are Canadian citizens.
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada reached a low point after Trudeau's initial allegations and Canada's perceived tolerance of pro-Khalistan activists. Trade talks were derailed, and a series of mutual diplomatic actions followed. In June 2023, the Canadian Parliament observed a moment of silence in memory of Nijjar, which further aggravated tensions. India responded by organizing a memorial in Vancouver to honor the 329 victims of the 1985 Air India bombing, perpetrated by Khalistani terrorists.
Despite these tensions, Canada has been attempting to reach out to India, especially since the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year. Trudeau expressed hope for resuming discussions on “serious issues” concerning national security, the rule of law, and safeguarding Canadian citizens.
India has long voiced concerns about Canada becoming a hub for pro-Khalistan separatist activities, accusing the country of providing political space for such movements. In response to the Nijjar killing, Canada arrested four Indian nationals as part of its ongoing investigation, but New Delhi has consistently stated that "political interests" are influencing the situation.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
