Amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the Indian government has strongly denied claims made by a Canadian report suggesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India’s External Affairs Ministry has labeled the report a “smear campaign” and dismissed it as baseless.
Canadian Report Allegations
A report from Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper, citing unnamed Canadian officials, alleged that Prime Minister Modi, along with India’s National Security Advisor and the External Affairs Minister, were aware of the plot to kill Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistani activist. The report claimed that Indian officials had prior knowledge of the plan.
India’s Strong Denial
In response to the report, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the allegations. He stated, “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 Nijjar Killing and Diplomatic Fallout
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was accused of masterminding the banned Khalistan Tiger Force and was on India’s most-wanted list for multiple crimes, was shot dead in Vancouver in June of the previous year. His death sparked a diplomatic crisis between India and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused “agents” of the Indian government of being involved in the killing, claiming that “credible information” had been shared with international intelligence partners, including the US.
Canada’s Diplomatic Actions
In a further escalation, Canada recently linked Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, to the murder. As a result, Canada expelled several Indian diplomats. In retaliation, India expelled Canadian Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats.
Trudeau’s Strong Remarks
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his dissatisfaction with India’s actions, stating, “It is obvious the Government of India made a fundamental error in thinking they could engage in supporting criminal activity against Canadians, here on Canadian soil. Whether it be murders or extortion or other violent acts, it is absolutely unacceptable.”
Nijjar’s Background and India’s Efforts to Capture Him
Nijjar, who was the leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force, was wanted in India for multiple crimes, including the 2007 murder of a Hindu priest in Punjab. India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) had offered a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to his capture.
Ongoing Tensions
The diplomatic standoff between India and Canada remains unresolved, with both sides continuing to trade accusations and expelling diplomats. The ongoing dispute has added to the strain in bilateral relations, with both nations facing a difficult road to reconciliation.
