Trudeau admits no ‘hard evidence’ against India in Nijjar murder case
Canada identifies Indian diplomats in Nijjar case; India denies allegations
On Wednesday, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged that his government had not provided India with “hard evidence” regarding the alleged involvement of Indian agents in the murder of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau, appearing before a foreign interference probe panel, stated that the allegations shared with India were based on intelligence rather than concrete evidence.
Trudeau remarked that over the summer, intelligence services informed him of the Indian government’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing. The information, which became clearer in August through Canadian intelligence and The Five Eyes alliance, suggested that Indian agents were implicated in the crime on Canadian soil. He noted that when these concerns were communicated to India, the response was further antagonistic towards the Canadian government.
The Canadian authorities had informed India that the allegations were based on intelligence, not hard evidence. Trudeau indicated that India’s actions had undermined Canadian governance and sovereignty. This week, Canada identified several senior Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in the Nijjar murder investigation.
Canada had "no hard evidentiary proof" when the country first approached India last year on Ottawa suspecting the Indian Govt link to Nijjar killing. Canada PM Justin Trudeau at Foreign interference commission: pic.twitter.com/BlvloYn58H
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 16, 2024
In response, India recalled its senior diplomats from Canada and expelled six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi. Trudeau also claimed that information about Canadians opposing the Modi government was passed to the Indian government and then directed through criminal organisations, leading to violence against Canadians. He mentioned that attempts to question Indian diplomats were thwarted by their diplomatic immunity, necessitating their expulsion.
India has categorically denied any involvement in Nijjar’s murder and has demanded concrete evidence to support the accusations. New Delhi maintains that Canada has not provided any proof substantiating the claims.
On Monday, New Delhi accused Trudeau of longstanding hostility towards India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that his 2018 visit to India, aimed at gaining favour with a specific vote bank, backfired. The MEA also noted that Trudeau’s cabinet has included individuals associated with extremist and separatist agendas concerning India.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Times of India: India firmly rejects Canadian PM Trudeau’s claims about Indian involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing, emphasizing lack of concrete evidence and criticizing Trudeau’s handling of the matter.(read more)
- News18 reports Justin Trudeau admits Canada had only intelligence, not hard evidence, against India in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, straining diplomatic ties.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Did Canada provide hard evidence to India about the alleged involvement in Nijjar’s murder?
No, Canada provided intelligence but not hard evidence.
What did Trudeau say about the intelligence regarding Nijjar’s murder?
Trudeau said the intelligence suggested Indian agents were involved.
How did India respond to Canada’s allegations?
India recalled its diplomats and expelled six Canadian diplomats.
What did Trudeau claim about the impact of India’s actions on Canada?
Trudeau claimed India’s actions undermined Canadian governance and sovereignty.
Has India admitted involvement in Nijjar’s murder?
No, India has categorically denied any involvement and demanded concrete evidence.
