India Urges Canada to Provide Evidence on Nijjar Rather Than Accusations

The Indian government has reacted promptly to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusation of India's involvement in the killing of Canadian citizens and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Vancouver. India has requested concrete evidence from Ottawa, expressed its willingness to cooperate in the investigation, and briefed its key allies about the unsubstantiated nature of Trudeau's claim and Canada's tolerance for individuals and groups working against India and its interests.

The response from the Indian government stems from a meeting involving top officials from the foreign ministry and national security, convened in the new Parliament building. The government's reaction can be categorized into several dimensions:

1. Demand for Evidence: India has called on Canada to substantiate the allegations against Indian intelligence agencies and provide credible evidence supporting the claims made by Trudeau.
2. Offer of Cooperation: Simultaneously, India has conveyed through diplomatic channels that it is prepared to collaborate with the Canadian authorities in their investigation, contingent on the presentation of valid evidence.
3. Engaging Key Allies: Indian national security planners have reached out to key Western allies, including the United States and Australia, to emphasize that Indian intelligence agencies were not involved in Nijjar's killing. They underscored that the accusations are unfounded and likely influenced by local political considerations.

The minority Trudeau government receives support from the New Democratic Party, which has shown sympathy for the Khalistan cause. In response, New Delhi is formulating strategies and mechanisms to ensure that the Indian diaspora in Canada remains united and unaffected by any divisions between Sikhs and Hindus. The government is also committed to safeguarding the well-being of Indians and people of Indian origin in Canada.

India has consistently denied the charges leveled by Trudeau.

Sources within the Indian government, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to clarify India's stance during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, followed by a possible bilateral visit to Washington, D.C., after addressing the UNGA on September 26.

Given Trudeau's inability to rally support from both the Five Eyes and the G7—groups of nations to which Canada belongs—to condemn India over its alleged role in Nijjar's killing, the Modi government remains confident in the adequacy of its response. New Delhi has pointed out Ottawa's alleged encouragement of separatist elements advocating for Khalistan, a fringe faction even among the Sikh diaspora.

Indian authorities also highlighted a previous incident from February 21, 2018, when then-Punjab Chief Minister and current BJP leader Amarinder Singh provided Trudeau with a list and dossier of ten terror fugitives residing in Canada. Despite the demand for action against these individuals, Trudeau chose not to act.

A primary concern for India is the safety of Indians and the Indian diaspora in Canada, particularly in light of threats issued by separatist figures like Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, the leader of the proscribed Sikhs For Justice. In response, India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a detailed advisory to Indian students and nationals in Canada, urging them to exercise caution due to "growing anti-India activities" and "politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence." Although the original draft was stronger in tone, New Delhi opted to moderate the language in its advisory.

Also Read: NIA Investigates Lakhbir Singh Landa: Alleged Khalistani Terrorist in Canada

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