India has firmly conveyed to Canada that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau must provide evidence to support his allegations linking the Indian government to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi criticized Trudeau for making unsubstantiated claims and for allegedly giving political directives to investigative agencies without concrete proof.
During a meeting with top Canadian security officials and diplomats in a third country on Saturday, India emphasized its position, noting discrepancies between Trudeau’s public statements and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which is still investigating Nijjar’s murder on June 18, 2023. India reminded Canada that it is illegal to influence law enforcement agencies for political gain.
This diplomatic exchange comes after a brief, tense encounter between Trudeau and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ASEAN summit on October 11, where Modi reportedly dismissed the timing and setting for any substantive discussion. Contrary to Canadian reports claiming a brief exchange, India clarified that no meaningful dialogue occurred between the two leaders.
Trudeau’s move is seen by India as politically motivated, aiming to appeal to his pro-Khalistani vote bank ahead of Canadian general elections. Trudeau is also expected to testify before an inquiry into foreign interference in Canada’s federal elections on October 16. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has already expressed her government’s intent to hold India accountable.
Despite Trudeau’s public accusation in Parliament on September 18, his government has yet to produce concrete evidence. The RCMP, under pressure from Trudeau, continues to investigate the murder, which appears to involve gang warfare. Four Sikh youths have been arrested in connection with the killing.
India, confident in its position, insists that Canada take verifiable action against anti-India Khalistani activities on its soil if bilateral relations are to improve. The Trudeau government, facing a potential collapse in early 2025, is under increasing domestic pressure, but the Modi government remains resolute in defending India’s reputation against what it sees as politically orchestrated accusations.
