MEA says Trudeau responsible for diplomatic crisis after PM admits no evidence of India’s role in Nijjar Killing

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has responded to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's recent testimony regarding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In a statement, the MEA emphasized that Canada has not presented any evidence to support its allegations against India. This follows Trudeau's acknowledgment during his testimony before a Commission of Inquiry that he had no "hard evidentiary proof" regarding claims of Indian government involvement.

In his deposition, Trudeau stated that Canadian authorities only had intelligence to suggest that Indian agents might have been involved in Nijjar's death. He noted that the initial assessment of the case pointed towards a “gang-related” motive before allegations of Indian involvement emerged. Trudeau also claimed that Indian diplomats in Canada were reportedly collecting information on individuals critical of the Indian government and sharing it with criminal organizations, specifically mentioning the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

In response, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's position, stating, “What we have heard today only confirms what we have been saying consistently all along – Canada has presented us no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats.” He added that the deterioration in India-Canada relations is attributed to the handling of these allegations by the Canadian government.

Tensions between India and Canada have escalated since Trudeau's initial claims in September 2023, which suggested the possible involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing. Following these allegations, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and withdrew its high commissioner from Canada, citing the lack of evidence. In a reciprocal action, Canada also asked six Indian diplomats to leave the country.

Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. His death has intensified scrutiny and contributed to the ongoing diplomatic strain between the two countries.