Relations between Canada and India have recently reached a historically low level. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decisions to spoil relations with India are also being questioned in his own country. Trudeau's recent anti-India moves have sparked several controversies. Now the question is arising whether Trudeau has deliberately spoiled relations with India because of China. China's name is emerging prominently in the investigation into foreign interference on Trudeau's government and it is being speculated that Trudeau's aggressive attitude against India could be a strategy to divert attention from China's interference.
The new commission formed to investigate foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections in Canada has blamed China as the main culprit of election interference. This commission concluded that China intruded into Canada's electoral process, but did not influence the votes. In addition, the commission also accused India and Pakistan of interference, but the allegations against India are particularly related to the Sikh community and Khalistan supporters, who remain close to Trudeau.
Questions raised on Trudeau's order in Canada itself
In September 2023, the Trudeau government set up a special commission to investigate interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections by countries such as China, Russia, India and Pakistan. Earlier in March 2023, Trudeau had ordered two closed-door investigations but under pressure from the opposition, he accepted the demand for a public inquiry.
Trudeau is accused of targeting India to avoid political pressure against China. Amid growing allegations about China's interference, Trudeau also put India in the same dock. Some experts believe that this is a political move by Trudeau, through which he wants to keep Canadian-Khalistani supporters and allies like NDP leader Jagmeet Singh happy.
Trudeau trying to please China?
According to a report published in Times of India, the purpose of this strategy of Trudeau may be to improve his relations with China. Trudeau's government has been trying to resume high-level talks with China after expelling Chinese diplomat Jao Wei last year, the report said. Apart from this, according to a report published in Live Mint, Trudeau is preparing to take action against India unilaterally. Indian officials have accused Canada of conducting a one-sided investigation and said it is only an attempt to tarnish India's image.
