India dismisses Canadian report on Nijjar.
Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have escalated following a new Canadian media report on the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The report, which alleges Indian involvement in the incident, has drawn strong reactions from Indian officials, who dismissed the claims as “ludicrous” and baseless. Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan separatist leader, was shot dead in Canada earlier this year, leading to a diplomatic standoff. Both countries have since exchanged accusations and retaliatory measures, including expelling diplomats. The strained relations highlight growing geopolitical challenges, with both nations standing firm on their positions while international observers call for dialogue to resolve differences.
India has firmly rejected a recent Canadian media report alleging Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, labeling it a “smear campaign.” The rebuttal comes amid an ongoing diplomatic dispute between the two nations, fueled by accusations and counter-accusations over Nijjar’s death.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by Indian authorities for his role in promoting Khalistani separatism, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in British Columbia earlier this year. The incident sparked significant diplomatic tensions, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleging potential Indian involvement in the killing. These allegations were met with vehement denials from India, which described the claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
On Wednesday, India’s foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the new report, purportedly citing a Canadian government source, and dismissed it outright.
He criticized the report as part of a broader “smear campaign,” asserting that such narratives serve only to exacerbate the already strained relations between the two countries.
The media report, which has not been officially endorsed by the Canadian government, alleges that Indian operatives were involved in Nijjar’s assassination as part of a larger strategy to counter Khalistani separatist movements abroad. India has consistently rejected such allegations, maintaining that it respects the sovereignty of other nations and has no role in extrajudicial activities.
The diplomatic row has seen both nations taking retaliatory measures. Following Trudeau’s initial allegations in September, Canada expelled an Indian diplomat, citing national security concerns. India responded by expelling a Canadian diplomat and suspending visa services for Canadian citizens, citing security threats to its diplomatic personnel. The tit-for-tat actions have significantly strained bilateral ties, impacting trade discussions and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
India has long accused Canada of harboring Khalistani extremists and providing a platform for anti-India activities under the guise of free speech. The issue has been a contentious point in India-Canada relations, with New Delhi urging Ottawa to take stricter action against such groups. Canada, on the other hand, has maintained that it upholds the rule of law and freedom of expression within its borders.
The current diplomatic standoff has drawn international attention, with observers warning that prolonged hostilities could damage the broader geopolitical and economic relationship between India and Canada. Both countries are significant trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at over $8 billion in 2022. Additionally, Canada is home to a large and influential Indian diaspora, further complicating the fallout from the ongoing tensions.
Indian officials have reiterated that they remain committed to fostering constructive dialogue with Canada. However, they assert that such efforts must be reciprocated with a balanced and evidence-based approach, rather than allegations that undermine trust. In its latest statement, India emphasized the need for both nations to focus on cooperation rather than divisive rhetoric.
For its part, the Canadian government has yet to comment on the new media report. Trudeau, who previously called for transparency in the investigation into Nijjar’s death, has faced criticism at home and abroad for escalating the issue without presenting conclusive evidence. Opposition parties in Canada have questioned the government’s handling of the matter, urging a more cautious approach to avoid damaging diplomatic ties further.
The killing of Nijjar and the subsequent fallout underscore the deep-rooted challenges in India-Canada relations, particularly regarding the issue of Khalistani extremism. Both nations face pressure to resolve their differences diplomatically while addressing the underlying concerns that have brought their relationship to this critical juncture. For now, the standoff persists, with neither side showing signs of backing down.