Desk:India-Canada relations have recently hit a historic low, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau facing growing criticism at home for his anti-India moves. Trudeau’s recent actions have sparked controversy, leading many to wonder whether his stance against India has been influenced by China. Trudeau’s government has come under scrutiny for foreign interference, with China being a key focus, and it’s speculated that his aggressive stance toward India could be a diversion from China’s involvement.
China’s Election Interference in Canada
A new commission investigating foreign interference in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 elections has found China to be the primary culprit behind the interference. The commission concluded that China attempted to infiltrate the Canadian electoral process, although the interference did not affect the overall voting results. The investigation also mentioned interference from India and Pakistan, with allegations against India primarily involving the Sikh community and pro-Khalistan groups, who are viewed as close allies of Trudeau.
Trudeau’s Foreign Interference Commission Faces Backlash
In September 2023, the Trudeau government established a special commission to investigate foreign interference from countries such as China, Russia, India, and Pakistan in Canadian elections. Initially, Trudeau had ordered a closed-door inquiry in March 2023, but after mounting pressure from the opposition, he agreed to make the investigation public.
Critics accuse Trudeau of targeting India to deflect attention from political pressure surrounding China’s interference. Amid growing allegations against China, Trudeau has put India in the same category, which some experts believe is a strategic political move to appease his pro-Khalistan supporters and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.
Is Trudeau Trying to Appease China?
According to a report published in the Times of India, Trudeau’s strategy may be aimed at mending relations with China. The report suggests that after expelling Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei last year, Trudeau’s government has been trying to restart high-level talks with China. Additionally, a Live Mint report indicates that Trudeau is preparing to take unilateral action against India. Indian officials have accused Canada of conducting a biased investigation and attempting to tarnish India’s image.
This raises the question: Is Trudeau’s anti-India stance a political maneuver to distract from his own controversies surrounding China?