India has strongly refuted Canada's allegations linking its diplomats to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, demanding concrete evidence from the Trudeau government. The ongoing diplomatic row underscores rising tensions, as India calls for action against anti-India Khalistani elements operating in Canada.
Picture: POOL/REUTERS
New Delhi – India has called upon Canada to produce credible evidence regarding allegations made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Indian officials conveyed their firm stance to Canadian national security officials in a meeting held in a third country on Saturday, reaffirming that unsubstantiated charges against the Indian government cannot stand without supporting evidence.
The murder of Nijjar, a prominent figure linked to the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), took place on June 18, 2023, in British Columbia. While Canadian law enforcement agencies, particularly the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), continue to investigate the case, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made explosive claims in September 2023, alleging the involvement of Indian agents. However, these accusations have not been substantiated with any tangible evidence, raising concerns in New Delhi over the politicization of the investigation.
Tensions Rise Amid Vote Bank Politics
The Indian government has expressed concern that Trudeau’s allegations are driven by domestic political considerations, particularly his reliance on support from the New Democratic Party (NDP), which has strong backing from pro-Khalistani elements in Canada. Trudeau’s minority government, sustained by issue-based support, has been accused of pandering to these factions, creating friction in Indo-Canadian relations.
Trudeau’s sudden remarks in September led to a diplomatic standoff between the two nations, with India categorically rejecting the claims as part of “vote bank politics”. A senior Indian official commented, “India has nothing to hide in this case, and it’s time for Canada to present evidence rather than indulge in political posturing.”
Diplomatic Meeting in Third Country
On October 14, Indian officials met with senior Canadian security and diplomatic figures in a third country to further discuss the issue. Canadian National Security Advisor Nathalie G. Drouin and Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison represented the Trudeau administration. The meeting, according to sources, aimed to address the discrepancies between the allegations made by the Trudeau government and the ongoing RCMP investigation, which has yet to produce concrete findings linking Indian agents to the murder.
This diplomatic engagement followed an awkward exchange between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ASEAN summit on October 11. While Trudeau’s media claimed a brief conversation took place, insiders reveal that PM Modi effectively dismissed the attempt, deeming it neither the right time nor place for such discussions. This interaction underscored the escalating tensions between the two leaders.
Canada’s Political Orchestration
Trudeau’s government has been accused of orchestrating a political campaign against India, with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly recently making public the government’s intent to “nail” the Modi administration. The Canadian Public Safety Minister is also set to appear before a commission investigating foreign interference, with observers speculating that efforts to blame India are part of a broader agenda to deflect criticism of the Trudeau government’s handling of the matter.
Despite Trudeau’s strong statements in the Canadian Parliament, his administration has not provided any substantive legal evidence to back its claims. The RCMP, which is under pressure from the Trudeau government, continues to probe the case but has yet to charge any Indian officials, casting doubt on the allegations. Four Sikh youth have been arrested in connection with Nijjar’s murder, but their involvement appears to be related to gang violence, not international intrigue.
India’s Call for Action Against Khalistani Extremism
Indian officials are clear that for bilateral relations to improve, Canada must take strong, verifiable action against anti-India Khalistani activities on its soil. The Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent Sikh homeland, has long been a point of contention in India-Canada relations. Canada is home to a significant Sikh diaspora, with a small but vocal faction supporting the separatist cause.
India has repeatedly urged the Canadian government to crack down on individuals and organizations promoting violence and extremism under the guise of freedom of expression. This includes tackling extradition requests for individuals involved in terrorism and organized crime, which Ottawa has thus far ignored.
A Troubled Diplomatic History
Indo-Canadian relations have witnessed multiple ups and downs over the years, with tensions dating back to the 1970s. It was during the tenure of Pierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau’s father and former Prime Minister of Canada, that diplomatic relations between the two countries first soured. In 1974, Pierre Trudeau condemned India’s first nuclear test, known as “Smiling Buddha,” leading to a freeze in nuclear cooperation and a strain on bilateral ties.
Though relations were later restored, subsequent incidents, such as the 1985 Air India bombing, further complicated the relationship. The bombing, carried out by Khalistani extremists, claimed the lives of 329 people, mostly Canadians of Indian origin. Despite these historical challenges, both countries have continued to engage in diplomacy, though Khalistani extremism remains a sensitive issue.
Justin Trudeau’s premiership has also been marked by periodic flare-ups in bilateral relations, particularly following his support for farmers’ protests in India in 2020. His comments were viewed as interference in India’s internal affairs, drawing sharp criticism from New Delhi. The current dispute over Nijjar’s murder is the latest in a series of diplomatic clashes.
India’s Response: “Nothing to Hide”
India has strongly denied the latest allegations, with senior officials reiterating that the country has “nothing to hide”. In a statement issued on October 14, the Indian government said:
“Since Prime Minister Trudeau made certain allegations in September 2023, the Canadian Government has not shared a shred of evidence with the Government of India, despite many requests from our side. This latest step follows interactions that have again witnessed assertions without any facts.”
India also pointed out the troubling trend of allowing violent extremists in Canada to threaten and harass Indian diplomats. High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s top diplomat in Canada, was singled out by the Canadian government, but Indian officials dismissed the accusations as baseless.
The Road Ahead
As the RCMP investigation continues, and with Trudeau set to testify before a commission on foreign interference, the diplomatic standoff shows no signs of easing. Both nations stand firm in their positions, with India demanding evidence and Canada facing pressure to justify its claims.
Experts believe that unless Canada addresses India’s concerns over Khalistani extremism and provides credible evidence to support its accusations, the bilateral relationship will remain fraught. The Trudeau government, facing domestic political challenges and an uncertain future in the upcoming elections, may find itself increasingly isolated on the international stage if it fails to present a clear case against India.
For now, New Delhi is monitoring developments closely, reserving the right to take further diplomatic steps if the situation escalates.
Conclusion:
India has taken a firm stance against Canada‘s allegations, demanding credible evidence and action against Khalistani extremists. With both nations standing their ground, the future of their bilateral relations hangs in the balance, awaiting the results of the ongoing investigation and political developments in Canada.
