Canada Backtracks: Trudeau Government Denies Evidence Against PM Modi Amid Controversial Report on Nijjar’s Murder
In the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Canada and India following attempts to link India with the murder of a separatist leader, the Canadian government has once again found itself on the defensive. This comes after a recent media report accused India of having prior knowledge about criminal activities occurring in Canada.
The Canadian government issued a statement clarifying that they have not presented any evidence linking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, or National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval to any internal criminal activities in Canada, nor do they have any such knowledge.
The Trudeau government, which has accused India without evidence, made this clarification after facing strong reactions from India. Trudeau’s government emphasized that Prime Minister Modi, Foreign Minister Jaishankar, and Ajit Doval have no involvement in any criminal activities in Canada, including the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. They stated that they possess no evidence to support these claims.
Responding to the Canadian media report, Justin Trudeau’s government clarified: “Canada has not made this statement, nor is it aware of any evidence linking Prime Minister Modi, Foreign Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Ajit Doval to serious criminal activities in Canada. This report is speculative and unfounded.”
What Did the Canadian Media Report Claim?
The Canadian media, citing government sources, alleged that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval had prior knowledge about the murder of Khalistani supporter and terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
According to a report by Canada’s The Globe and Mail, quoting a source from the Canadian government, it was claimed that along with the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the Indian NSA were also aware of this incident in advance.
India’s Strong Response to Canada’s Allegations
Following Canada’s accusations, India firmly rejected the claims, calling them part of a smear campaign. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, stated, “We generally do not comment on media reports. However, we dismiss such ‘absurd’ and ridiculous statements.”
Jaiswal further emphasized that such false allegations only serve to further damage the already strained relations between the two countries.
Nijjar’s Murder Outside Gurdwara
On the evening of June 18, 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot and killed publicly outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in Nijjar’s murder, a claim that India strongly denied.
This incident significantly escalated tensions between the two nations. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar accused Canada of granting visas to individuals wanted in India. He stated, “People involved in organized crimes in Punjab are welcomed in Canada.”
The Canadian Parliament paid tribute to Hardeep Singh Nijjar on the first anniversary of his death, observing a minute of silence in his memory.
