Trade negotiations between India and Canada, halted since September, may continue to be on hold as Canada prioritizes the investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Trade Minister, Mary Ng, suggested that the “paused” talks are closely tied to the investigation of “credible allegations” connecting Indian agents to Nijjar’s death.
Although she didn’t explicitly confirm the link, Ng emphasized the importance of the ongoing investigation, considering a Canadian citizen was killed on Canadian soil. While addressing reporters at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, Ng also reassured Canadian businesses in India, stating that her focus is on supporting them during this period.
Canada’s ambassador to Japan, Ian McKay, was more direct, stating, “I think it’s wise to pause (trade talks) at the moment while we deal with this issue (the Nijjar killing).” The Indian government has yet to respond to these statements.
The trade talks were put on hold at Canada’s request on September 2, around the same time Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed Indian government agents were linked to Nijjar’s death. The situation remains delicate as both nations navigate the complexities of the investigation and diplomatic relations. The outcome of the investigation and subsequent developments will likely influence the resumption of trade talks between the two countries.
The intersection of trade negotiations and the investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death adds complexity to the relationship between India and Canada. As Canada emphasizes the importance of resolving the Nijjar case, it remains to be seen how this focus will impact the broader diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. The outcome of the investigation is likely to play a significant role in determining the future trajectory of trade talks.
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