Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused India of making a “massive mistake” if it was involved in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil last year. His comments come amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries, following accusations from Canadian officials linking India to violent acts against dissidents in Canada.
On Monday, Canada expelled top Indian diplomats after alleging India’s involvement in extortion, homicides, and other violent crimes targeting Indian dissidents, including the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent proponent of the Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent Sikh state. India strongly denied the allegations, calling them “preposterous” and accusing Trudeau of playing politics with Canada’s large Sikh population.
Trudeau made these statements during an inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian politics, further criticizing India’s lack of cooperation in the investigation. He emphasized that Canada takes any violation of its sovereignty and international law seriously. Nijjar was killed in June 2023 in British Columbia, and Trudeau claimed that intelligence linking India to the murder became clear later that summer, although Canada’s initial findings did not constitute hard evidence.
India’s response has been one of anger, with officials calling Trudeau’s behavior “cavalier” and asserting that Canada has provided no evidence to support the accusations. Both countries have now expelled diplomats, deepening the rift in their relations.
Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has publicly disclosed information about multiple ongoing investigations, citing “credible and imminent threats to life,” particularly against those involved in the pro-Khalistan movement. Investigations have uncovered alleged criminal activities orchestrated by Indian government agents, including violent extortion, home invasions, and drive-by shootings.
Canada’s allies, including the US and the UK, have urged India to cooperate with the investigation, with both countries expressing serious concerns. Despite these calls, Indian officials have not engaged as hoped, further complicating the diplomatic situation.
