The Canadian High Commission of India has stated that Canada’s foreign interference commission is not authorised to probe the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist. The clarification in response to references to Nijjar’s murder in a report by the Public Inquiry into the Foreign Interference (PIFI), which evaluated the allegations of interfering in the election by China, Russia and other nations in Canada 2019 and 2011 federal elections.
‘’The PIFI was not mandated to probe the murder of Nijjar,’’ the high commission mentioned. It further elaborated that the reference in the report merely states that courts hold responsibility for determining accountability in what remains a complex and ongoing investigation.
India-Canada Tensions continues to soar
Diplomatic ties between India and Canada witnessed a sharp decline after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September 2023, blamed Indian agents of having a ‘’potential’’ role in Nijjar’s killing on Canadian soil.
India refuted these claims and called it as ‘’absurd’. The situation escalated further when Canada linked several Indian diplomats, including then High Commissioner Sanjay Verma to the case. This action also faced strong denials from New Delhi. The repercussions resulted in India recalling Verma whereas Canada expelled him along with five other diplomats. In response, India expelled acting Canadian High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler and five other Canadian officials.
What was in the PIFI report?
The PIFI report named India, China and Russia for alleged involvement in foreign interference in Canada’s electoral system. India , however, rejected these claims and accused Canada of intruding in its internal affairs instead.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India stated, ‘’We have seen reports making allegations of foreign interference. In realty, it is Canada that has been continuously intervening into India’s domestic matter.’’
The report also blamed India for using disinformation as foreign interference tool against Canada, with expectations that such tactics might increase in the future. India responded to these claims, underlining that Canada’s approach has led to illegal migration and organized criminal activities.
(With inputs from PTI)