Canada’s Trudeau Dismisses Report on Modi’s Alleged Link to Nijjar Case

In the latest chapter of Canada-India diplomatic tensions, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed as “unreliable” a recent media report linking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Indian officials to the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2022.

Addressing journalists in Brampton on Friday, Trudeau stated, “We have seen, unfortunately, that criminals leaking top-secret information to the media consistently get these stories wrong. That’s why we had a national inquiry into foreign interference that has highlighted that such leaks are both unreliable and criminal.”

This comes amidst worsening bilateral relations and follows a Thursday clarification by Nathalie G. Drouin, Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Adviser (NSIA). Drouin categorically denied any evidence implicating Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, or National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in criminal activities in Canada.

Canadian Media Report Sparks Controversy

The controversy began with an article published earlier this week by The Globe and Mail, citing an unnamed senior Canadian national security official. The report alleged that Modi and two senior officials had knowledge of, or involvement in, Nijjar’s killing. However, Drouin’s statement dismissed these claims, calling them “speculative and inaccurate.”

Her response was also echoed by the Privy Council Office, where she serves as Deputy Clerk.

In New Delhi, India’s External Affairs Ministry condemned the report as a “smear campaign”. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal added, “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 already strained ties.”

A Timeline of Tensions

Tensions between Canada and India have been on the rise since September 2023, when Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar’s murder. The claims were dismissed by New Delhi as “preposterous.”

The situation worsened in October after Canada linked six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, to violent criminal activities. This led to diplomatic expulsions on both sides, further destabilizing relations.

Adding to the strain, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) made public allegations in mid-October, accusing Indian agents of perpetrating serious criminal activities in Canada.

India’s Stance on the Allegations

India has repeatedly rejected Canada’s allegations, asserting that these claims lack credible evidence and are politically motivated. The External Affairs Ministry has emphasized that “unverified media reports should not dictate diplomatic relations.”

Trudeau’s dismissal of the recent report as stemming from “criminal leaks” highlights Ottawa’s attempt to distance itself from speculative media narratives. However, the persistent strain between the two nations has raised concerns about the future of their bilateral relationship.

Also Read:55% of Indian Economy Shows Positive Growth Despite Fluctuations