Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has criticised India for what he described as a “horrific mistake” of violating Canada’s sovereignty, leading to a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations between the two countries. This statement came in the wake of Ottawa expelling six Indian diplomats, to which New Delhi responded in kind, following an investigation into the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The Canadian government alleged that India’s high commissioner and other diplomats were directly involved in Nijjar’s killing. India has vehemently denied these accusations, calling them “preposterous”. The situation escalated further with India briefly suspending visas for Canadians in retaliation to the claims made by Ottawa last year.
Nijjar, a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement seeking an independent Sikh homeland in western India, was shot dead in Surrey, outside Vancouver, in June 2023. India had previously accused Nijjar, a Canadian citizen of Indian descent, of involvement in terrorism, a charge he refuted.
Trudeau expressed his dismay over India’s alleged interference in Canadian sovereignty during an inquiry into suspected external interference in Canadian politics. He emphasised the importance of upholding international law and sovereignty, stating that such violations must be taken seriously.
In response, the Indian foreign ministry reiterated its denial of the allegations, highlighting that Canada had not provided any evidence to support its claims against Indian diplomats. The ministry spokesperson placed the blame for the strained India-Canada relations squarely on Prime Minister Trudeau, denouncing his “cavalier behaviour”.
Trudeau disclosed that Canadian authorities, possibly with intelligence support from Five Eyes allies, had gathered information indicating India’s involvement in Nijjar’s assassination on Canadian soil. Despite having this intelligence since the summer of 2023, Trudeau chose not to publicly confront India until now, citing efforts to engage in behind-the-scenes cooperation, which India allegedly rebuffed.
With the situation escalating, the Canadian authorities have charged four Indian nationals residing in Canada with Nijjar’s murder, while also warning of credible threats to public safety within the South Asian community, particularly related to the pro-Khalistan movement. This has led to the expulsion of Canada’s top envoy to India and heightened international calls for Indian cooperation with the Canadian investigation.
The UK and the US have joined in urging India to collaborate with Canada in the legal process to address the escalating tensions. The British government emphasised that India’s cooperation is essential, while a US State Department spokesperson reiterated the long-standing request for India to assist Canadian authorities in the ongoing investigations.