The Canadian government has officially refuted reports by the Globe and Mail, a Canadian newspaper, which suggested links between the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an NIA-designated terrorist, and top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Official Canadian Statement

Nathalie G Drouin, Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, issued a statement on behalf of the Privy Council Office, categorically denying the allegations:

• "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."
• "Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate," the statement concluded.

The statement also highlighted that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had made accusations of criminal activity involving Indian government agents on October 14, citing a significant and ongoing threat to public safety.

India's Strong Rebuttal

India dismissed the claims as a "smear campaign" aimed at further straining already deteriorating bilateral relations.

• Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said,
  • "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."

India also criticized Canada for fostering a culture of extremism and anti-India activities, urging the Trudeau government to act against these elements.

Background

The diplomatic crisis began following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. Nijjar, a Sikh separatist and leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was wanted in India for his involvement in terrorist activities.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in the killing, a claim India vehemently denied, calling it "absurd" and "politically motivated."

Escalation of Diplomatic Tensions

• Canada declared six Indian diplomats as "persons of interest," prompting India to recall them.
• India accused Canada of allowing extremist and separatist activities on its soil.

While Canada maintains its accusations of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s death, it has clarified that no evidence implicates PM Modi, NSA Doval, or Minister Jaishankar. The denial comes amidst growing calls for clarity and accountability in the ongoing diplomatic standoff.

As relations between the two nations remain strained, India continues to emphasize the need for Canada to address anti-India activities within its borders to foster mutual trust and cooperation.