India Denounces Canadian Report on Nijjar Plot

The Indian government has strongly refuted allegations made in a report by The Globe and Mail, a Canadian newspaper, suggesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of a plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Citing unnamed Canadian officials, the report alleged that India’s National Security Advisor and External Affairs Minister were also informed of the Nijjar Plot or plan.

#WATCH | Washington, DC | On allegations by Canada, Michael Rubin, former Pentagon official and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute says “…Let’s not fool ourselves, Hardeep Singh Nijjar was not simply a plumber any more than Osama Bin Laden was a construction… pic.twitter.com/NTwBPDkEA2

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2023

Responding to the claims, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the report a “smear campaign.” 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.”

Diplomatic Crisis Escalates Over Nijjar’s Killing

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was killed in Vancouver in June 2022. He was accused of masterminding multiple crimes in India, including the murder of a Hindu priest in Punjab. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had placed a ₹10 lakh bounty on him for information leading to his arrest.

The assassination led to heightened diplomatic tensions, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing Indian “agents” of being involved in the killing. Trudeau claimed to have shared “credible intelligence” with international allies, including the United States, further fueling the controversy.

Tit-for-Tat Diplomatic Expulsions

The diplomatic fallout intensified last month when Canada expelled Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and several other diplomats, alleging their involvement in Nijjar’s assassination. India retaliated by expelling Canadian Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats.

Prime Minister Trudeau criticized India’s alleged actions, stating, “I think 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.”

India Dismisses Allegations as Politically Motivated

India has consistently denied any involvement in Nijjar’s killing, describing the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. The Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated its position that the allegations lack substantive evidence and are aimed at tarnishing India’s international reputation.

Nijjar, a controversial figure in both India and Canada, was a prominent Khalistani separatist advocating for the creation of an independent Sikh state. His activities were closely monitored by Indian authorities, who listed him among the country’s “most wanted” for his alleged involvement in terrorism and anti-national activities.

Future of India-Canada Relations

The accusations have further strained relations between India and Canada, two nations already grappling with disagreements over trade and diaspora-related issues. Observers suggest the diplomatic standoff could have long-term implications for bilateral ties, including economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

As tensions remain high, both nations face mounting international scrutiny over their handling of the situation. With accusations and counter-accusations continuing, the future of India-Canada relations appears uncertain.

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India Denounces Canadian Report on Nijjar Plot

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