New Delhi. Canada has said that its stand on India's territorial integrity is very clear. This statement has come for the first time since the tension between the two countries last year, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian intelligence agents of being involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar was one of India's most wanted terrorists.

Appearing before the Foreign Interference Commission in Ottawa over the weekend, Canada's Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison said, "Canada's policy is very clear that India's territorial integrity must be respected. There is one India, and that has been made very clear." Regarding the activities of pro-Khalistan elements living in Canada, he said that it is "terrifying but legal". There are things that "many of us don't want to see" but which fall within the rights of freedom of expression.

Canada has started efforts to reach out to India since the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a historic third term and came to power. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had said that now talks can resume with India on serious issues like "national security, safety of Canadian citizens and rule of law".

Last year, India dismissed Trudeau's allegations as "absurd" and expressed concern over Canada becoming a hub for pro-Khalistan Sikhs. Canada too refused to accept India's statement. Instead, Trudeau said that Canada would always support "freedom of expression... conscience and peaceful protest". He also said that Canada would prevent violence and stand against hate. After this, not only did bilateral relations deteriorate, but trade talks between the two countries also derailed.

In June this year, the Canadian Parliament observed a minute's silence in memory of Najjar. In response, India held a memorial service in Vancouver to pay tribute to the 329 victims of the Air India plane bombed by Khalistani terrorists in 1985. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, who was the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey on June 18 last year.