The Canadian government has categorically denied allegations implicating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Indian officials in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The clarification follows a contentious report in a Canadian newspaper that attributed the alleged plot to Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, further alleging that PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were aware of the scheme.
In its statement, the Canadian government cited the "lack of evidence" connecting Indian leaders to the criminal activity.
“The government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada,” the statement read.
“Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate,” it added.
The statement was issued against the backdrop of strained diplomatic ties between the two nations, which have deteriorated since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in Nijjar’s assassination.
Nijjar, a wanted fugitive in India, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.
India denounces allegations
India has strongly rebuffed the allegations published in the Canadian daily, terming them “ludicrous” and harmful to bilateral relations.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said, “We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties.”
The Indian government has consistently denied any involvement in Nijjar’s murder, dismissing the accusations as “absurd” and politically motivated.
New Delhi has also accused Canada of providing a safe haven for pro-Khalistan extremists and failing to address their activities.
Earlier allegations by Canada on India
The latest clarification follows accusations last month by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that Indian government agents were involved in criminal activities on Canadian soil, including murder and intimidation.
The RCMP’s allegations deepened the rift between the two nations, leading to the expulsion of top diplomats on both sides.
Canadian authorities had earlier arrested four Indian nationals in connection with Nijjar’s murder. Despite the arrests, Canada’s public assertion of an Indian government link to the killing remains unsubstantiated.
The dispute has cast a shadow over India-Canada relations, with both nations entrenched in their respective positions.
While Canada maintains the need for transparency in the investigation, India has called for an end to what it perceives as baseless accusations and propaganda.
Observers note that the clarification from Ottawa could ease tensions, though a resolution to the broader diplomatic impasse remains uncertain.
Follow us
