New York - On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada has no intention of "provoking or causing problems" with India amidst an escalating diplomatic dispute regarding the assassination of a Khalistani extremist leader. He urged the Indian government to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and collaborate with Ottawa to uncover the truth.

Trudeau emphasized, "We call upon the government of India to take this matter seriously and cooperate with us to ensure full transparency, accountability, and justice." He reaffirmed Canada's commitment to the rule of law and its determination to protect Canadians while engaging in international diplomacy at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

In response to questions about potential retaliatory measures following India's suspension of visa services for Canadians, Trudeau emphasized Canada's desire to maintain a positive relationship with India. He stressed, "We are not seeking to provoke or create problems. However, we are unwavering in our commitment to the rule of law and safeguarding the well-being of Canadians. Therefore, we urge the Indian government to collaborate with us to establish mechanisms for uncovering the truth and ensuring justice and accountability."

The tensions between India and Canada escalated earlier in the week after Trudeau made allegations of potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India promptly dismissed these allegations as "absurd" and "motivated," resulting in the expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat as a reciprocal measure.

Trudeau reiterated his concerns, stating, "There are credible allegations that demand our utmost attention. There are credible reasons to believe that agents of the government of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil." He called for a rigorous and independent justice process to determine the truth, urging the Indian government to engage in this pursuit.

Trudeau also disclosed that he had a direct and candid conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the New Delhi G20 summit on September 10, in which he expressed his concerns. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had previously rejected Trudeau's allegations.

Regarding Canada's stance, Trudeau emphasized the importance of allowing the country's strong and independent justice system to function with integrity. He clarified that sharing these allegations in the House of Commons was a serious step taken with utmost gravity.

When asked about the disparity in responses from Canada's allies, Trudeau underscored Canada's commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and the rule of law. He stated, "We are standing up for the rules-based order and the rule of law. We are highlighting the unacceptability of any country being involved in the killing of a citizen on their own soil."

On Thursday, India called upon Canada to take decisive action against terrorists and anti-India elements operating from its territory and suspended visa services for Canadians, further straining bilateral relations. India also requested Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff in the country to achieve parity in diplomatic presence. Currently, Canada has a larger diplomatic staff presence in India than India has in Canada.