Canada made it clear that its position on the territorial integrity of India is absolute.
It was the first such statement since the wedge driven between the two nations last year over President Justin Trudeau's allegations about the "potential" involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, reports NDTV.
Nijjar was also a Canadian citizen.
Appearing before the foreign interference commission in Ottawa over the weekend, Canada's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs David Morrison said: "Canada's policy is very clear that India's territorial integrity must be respected. There's one India, and that's been made very clear".
Regarding the activities of pro-Khalistan elements living in Canada, he, however, said it was "awful but lawful". There are things that "many of us want not to see" but that are protected under Freedom of Speech rights.
The declaration about One India, however, was meant to clarify Ottawa's position on the stance of Khalistanis, many of whom are Canadian citizens. The comment is also seen as a signal to put India-Canada relations -- which have been on a free fall -- on an even keel.
Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
