The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has sharply criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s handling of the diplomatic row, emphasizing that Canada has failed to present any concrete evidence to support its allegations against India. In a late-night statement, the MEA held Trudeau accountable for the strained relations, stating, "Canada has offered no evidence whatsoever to back the serious accusations it has made against India and Indian diplomats."

This follows Trudeau's testimony at the foreign interference inquiry, where he admitted that Canada had only "intelligence and no hard evidence" regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau acknowledged that while Canadian agencies had asked India to investigate, New Delhi demanded proof, which Ottawa could not provide beyond intelligence reports.

The MEA reaffirmed India's stance, holding Trudeau responsible for the damage to bilateral ties, citing his "cavalier behavior" as the primary cause. The diplomatic fallout has escalated in recent weeks, with both nations exchanging accusations of mismanagement.

Trudeau, during his testimony, also claimed that Indian diplomats were gathering intelligence on Canadians critical of the Modi government and passing it on to criminal networks. India strongly rejected these allegations, dismissing them as baseless and linking them to unfounded efforts to associate Indian agents with criminal gangs.

Tensions between India and Canada reached a breaking point earlier when India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its high commissioner. This move came after Ottawa's allegations tied Indian officials to the killing of Nijjar, claims that India has consistently labeled as "absurd."

The MEA reiterated that the core issue lies in Canada’s tolerance of pro-Khalistan elements, which India has long objected to. Nijjar, declared a terrorist by India, was killed in British Columbia in June of last year, and the ensuing diplomatic conflict has only deepened divisions between the two countries.