India Demands Evidence from Canada in Nijjar Murder Case, Calls for Action on Anti-India Khalistani Activities

In a rapidly intensifying diplomatic dispute, India has firmly requested that Canada provide credible evidence regarding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations linking the Indian government to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist. India, while rejecting any involvement, has made it clear that Trudeau’s claims are politically motivated, arising from his ties with pro-Khalistan political factions, and could have damaging effects on bilateral relations unless addressed with transparency.

This high-stakes diplomatic tussle took a new turn when Indian officials, meeting with Canadian representatives in a third country, expressed their concerns over discrepancies between Trudeau’s accusations and the official investigation led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The murder of Nijjar on June 18, 2023, in Surrey, British Columbia, is still under investigation by the RCMP, which has not yet produced definitive evidence pointing toward any foreign involvement.

India Calls Out Trudeau’s Political Moves

India’s strong message to Canada follows what Indian officials described as an ambush by Trudeau during the ASEAN summit on October 11. In what was reportedly an unplanned encounter, Trudeau approached Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attempting to raise the sensitive issue in an informal setting. Sources within the Indian delegation noted that Modi declined to engage in the discussion, stating that it was “not the time and place” for such a conversation.

India responded by issuing a formal statement clarifying that no substantive exchange had occurred between the two leaders, further suggesting that Trudeau’s publicized version of events might have been exaggerated for political reasons.

This incident is widely viewed as part of Trudeau’s broader political strategy, aimed at appeasing domestic pro-Khalistan constituencies in light of Canada’s upcoming general elections. India has criticized these tactics, emphasizing that Trudeau’s government, supported by the pro-Khalistan New Democratic Party (NDP) and other factions, is exploiting the situation to garner political support, without backing its claims with solid proof.

RCMP Investigation Shows No Evidence of Indian Involvement

While Trudeau has been vocal in Parliament, implicating India in Nijjar’s murder, the RCMP has been slower to draw any conclusions. Indian officials pointed out that, despite Trudeau’s assertions, the RCMP has yet to release any conclusive findings regarding foreign involvement in Nijjar’s death. Instead, local police arrested four Sikh youth, believed to be involved in gang warfare, suggesting that the incident might be more related to intra-community conflicts than international political assassination.

India has reiterated its position that it has nothing to hide and called for transparency from Canada. Top security and diplomatic officials from both countries met recently in a third country, where India demanded that Trudeau’s government stop issuing unsubstantiated claims and provide factual evidence if such allegations are to be pursued in the public domain.

Domestic Politics Driving Canadian Accusations

Canada’s internal political landscape further complicates this issue. Trudeau’s Liberal government, which operates with a minority in Parliament, depends heavily on support from smaller parties, including the pro-Khalistan NDP and the Quebec-based Bloc Québécois. Analysts believe that Trudeau’s allegations against India are partly motivated by his need to secure backing from these parties as his government faces mounting political challenges.

On October 16, Trudeau is expected to appear before a public inquiry investigating foreign interference in Canadian elections. The inquiry, launched amid concerns about foreign influence on democratic processes, is expected to further examine Trudeau’s claims about Nijjar’s assassination. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc are also scheduled to testify, fueling speculation that the Trudeau government is attempting to leverage this inquiry to substantiate its allegations against India.

India Demands Action on Anti-India Khalistan Activities

The diplomatic fallout from this case is exacerbated by India’s longstanding concerns about Khalistani activities in Canada. The Khalistan movement, which seeks to create an independent Sikh state in India’s Punjab region, has been a source of tension between the two nations for decades. India has repeatedly called on Canada to take stronger action against Khalistani groups operating on Canadian soil, accusing them of fueling separatist sentiments and inciting violence in India.

Indian officials have made it clear that improved bilateral relations are contingent on Canada’s willingness to curb the activities of these groups. In the latest round of talks, India emphasized that the only path to restoring trust between the two countries is through verifiable steps by Canada to dismantle anti-India networks linked to the Khalistan movement.

The Trudeau government, however, faces a delicate balancing act. While it may seek to address India’s concerns, it cannot afford to alienate its pro-Khalistan political allies, whose support is crucial for its survival in Parliament.

Bilateral Relations at a Crossroads

As the diplomatic impasse deepens, the future of India-Canada relations hangs in the balance. The Modi government has taken a firm stance, refusing to tolerate what it views as baseless accusations aimed at undermining its global reputation. Indian officials have warned that continued inaction by Canada on Khalistani activities could further strain relations, impacting trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.

With Trudeau’s government expected to face a critical test in February 2025, when the Finance Bill comes up for a vote, political analysts believe that the current friction may serve as a litmus test for the future of India-Canada relations. If Trudeau fails to navigate these diplomatic waters carefully, his minority government could collapse, leaving Canada’s foreign policy toward India in flux.

India, meanwhile, remains steadfast in its demand for evidence and tangible action. Until Canada produces clear proof to support its allegations and demonstrates a commitment to addressing anti-India Khalistan activities, the road to reconciliation remains uncertain.