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India's relations with Canada have worsened after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 

However, the Indian government has told Parliament that Canada has not provided any evidence to support these serious claims.

Congress MP Manish Tewari raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, asking if the government was aware of criminal activities involving Indians in the U.S. and Canada. 

Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, responded that the government is aware of the allegations and that a High-Level Enquiry Committee has been set up to examine information shared by the U.S. about links between organised criminals, terrorists, and gun runners affecting India’s national security.

Regarding Canada, Singh stated that Canada has not presented any proof to back its accusations. 

He also added that Canada’s public statements on the issue seem to support an anti-India separatist agenda, which harms stable bilateral relations. India has repeatedly urged Canada to take action against anti-India elements operating on its soil.

Singh emphasised that the safety and security of Indian citizens in the U.S. and Canada are a top priority for India. The government works closely with the relevant authorities in both countries to resolve any issues faced by Indian nationals quickly.

The situation between India and Canada became tense after Trudeau’s allegations about Indian agents being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This led to diplomatic pushback from India and the expulsion of diplomats from both countries.

In the U.S., authorities have also alleged that Vikash Yadav, a former Indian intelligence officer, played a central role in a failed plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice. 

Another Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, was extradited from the Czech Republic to the U.S. in June in connection with the plot.

 

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