In a statement on 19 February, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that the Canadian government supports the policy of an united India. He reiterated that the position of his government in this regard “has not changed”, and said that supporting a united India is core to the kind of nation Canada is.
The statement comes after political observers perceived that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had ‘snubbed’ Trudeau in response to his nonchalant stance on the Khalistan issue.
In a video, released by the The Canadian Press, Trudeau was seen stating that his country “rejected violence and hateful speech.” He also stated that his country has been “diligent” in cracking down on extremism.
Part of Canada’s strengths is that we recognise diversity. Different views, opinion is an important part of the success of Canada. We of course, reject violence and hateful speech but I can reassure everyone that Canada supports one united India.Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister
“We have been diligent in ensuring that we are taking our responsibility seriously on cracking down on extremism for peaceful dialogue. We will continue to advocate for one united India and that is something that is core to what Canada is. Canada has been unequivocal - all our ministers support the policy of one united India. We have been very strong on that and will continue to be,” he said.
Trudeau’s statement comes after Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh confirmed that he would meet the visiting prime minister.
Ahead of Trudeau’s arrival in India, Canadian officials had reportedly denied the possibility of a meeting with Singh after the latter allegedly called Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan a ‘Khalistani sympathiser’. The CM also refused to meet the Canadian defence minister during his 2017 visit.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)