Canada’s Deputy Army Chief, Major General Peter Scott, has stated that the recent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada will not impact ongoing bilateral military cooperation. Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs’ Conference (IPACC) in New Delhi, Major General Scott emphasized that the matter must be resolved at the political level.
The ties between the two nations had become strained following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India promptly dismissed these allegations as “absurd” and “motivated,” resulting in the expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat in retaliation.
Major General Scott clarified that the military engagement between India and Canada remains unaffected by the diplomatic dispute. He noted that both countries see this issue as a political matter and believe it should not interfere with their military relationship.
“This is an issue between both our countries at a political level. And certainly our Prime Minister… he rose at the House of Commons and made a statement requesting India’s cooperation on the independent investigation that is currently ongoing at this time,” Major General Scott explained.
He further highlighted the commitment of both armies to continue cooperating and finding opportunities for joint training, exercises, and operations among the 30 participating nations at the conference. The primary objective remains to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The way we see right now is that we will continue to cooperate, discuss, and enjoy great forums like this where we can exchange ideas and find solutions to the difficulties facing a lot of the Indo-Pacific nations,” Major General Scott concluded.
The Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs’ Conference, hosted by the Indian Army, aims to develop a common strategy for ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In his opening address, Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande reaffirmed India’s commitment to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the Indo-Pacific.
News Summary:
- Canada’s Deputy Army Chief, Major General Peter Scott, has stated that the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada will not affect their bilateral military cooperation.
- The dispute arose after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leading to diplomatic expulsions.
- Major General Scott emphasized that the issue is a political matter and will not interfere with military relations, highlighting a commitment to cooperation, joint training, and peace in the Indo-Pacific.
- The Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs’ Conference, hosted by the Indian Army, seeks to develop a common strategy for ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- India’s Chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pande, stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in the region.