New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has expressed doubt on the validity of claims made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding a “potential” Indian link to the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
New Zealand, a member of the Five-Eyes intelligence alliance alongside the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, had reportedly received intelligence from Canada related to Nijjar’s case. However, Peters, who is also New Zealand’s foreign minister, expressed skepticism about the evidence presented.
During an interview with The Indian Express, Peters was asked if Canada had shared any intelligence related to Nijjar case and if New Zealand had clarified its position to India. Peters responded by saying that this whole thing was mainly handled by the previous government. He revealed that although one is glad to receive the Five-Eyes information, but one cannot always determine if that information is going to be of any material value.
He emphasized the importance of concrete evidence in such cases and noted the absence of conclusive findings or evidence linking the Indian government to Nijjar’s killing. “As a trained lawyer, I look okay, so where’s the case? Where’s the evidence? Where’s the finding right here, right now? Well, there isn’t one,” he said.
Last year, Trudeau had in September said that the Canadian security agencies were investigating “potential” links between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s death. However, the Indian government dismissed these allegations by calling them “absurd” and “motivated”.
Peters’ remarks mark the first instance of a Five-Eyes partner doubting Canada’s accusations. He is visiting India from March 10-13, and assumed the position of Deputy Prime Minister after the Centre-Right parties’ electoral victory in New Zealand last November.