Background on the Incident: Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a vocal proponent of the Khalistan movement, was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey. His murder has intensified concerns about the safety of Sikh activists in Canada and has led to allegations of foreign interference in Canadian affairs. Nijjar had been designated a terrorist by the Indian government in 2020, which accused him of involvement in militant activities.

Trudeau's Response: In his statement, Trudeau condemned the involvement of any foreign government in extrajudicial killings on Canadian soil, emphasizing that such actions undermine Canada's sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. He called for a thorough investigation into the murder and urged India to cooperate fully with Canadian authorities.

Diplomatic Repercussions: Trudeau's comments have further strained relations between Canada and India, which were already tense due to differing views on the Khalistan movement. India has long accused Canada of harboring Sikh extremists and has been critical of the Canadian government's perceived leniency towards separatist activities. In response to Trudeau's statements, the Indian government has denied any involvement in Nijjar's murder and has called for evidence to support the allegations.

Impact on Bilateral Relations: The diplomatic fallout from this incident could have significant implications for Canada-India relations, particularly in areas of trade, immigration, and security cooperation. Both countries have substantial diaspora communities that are closely watching the developments. The Sikh community in Canada, one of the largest outside India, has expressed concerns about their safety and has called for greater protection and justice for Nijjar.