A day after India strongly objected to a report by the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail that attempted to connect the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Canada has officially denied such claims.
In a statement issued by the Privy Council Office, Nathalie G Drouin, Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister, categorically refuted the allegations. She stated, “The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of the evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada.”
The statement further emphasised that any suggestion to the contrary is “speculative and inaccurate.”
India Rejects Report as a “Smear Campaign”
India had previously expressed strong objections to the claims made in The Globe and Mail article. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a sharp response, dismissing the allegations as baseless and irresponsible. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal said, “We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties.”
Strained Relations Between India and Canada
Relations between India and Canada have been under significant strain, with both countries expressing mutual grievances. India has repeatedly raised concerns over extremism and anti-India activities in Canada, urging the Canadian government to take strong action against these elements.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier alleged “credible allegations” of India’s involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist, in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2022. India has denied these allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated,” and has accused Canada of providing a safe haven for extremist elements.
Diplomatic Fallout Escalates
In response to the escalating tensions, India recalled six diplomats from Canada after they were declared “persons of interest” by the Canadian government in its investigation into Nijjar’s killing. These developments further exacerbated the already strained ties between the two nations.
Canada’s official denial of the Globe and Mail report marks a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic standoff. While India and Canada continue to exchange accusations, the need for mutual dialogue and resolution remains critical to prevent further deterioration in relations. Both sides must address the underlying concerns to restore diplomatic balance and cooperation.
(With agency inputs)