India Denies Involvement in Khalistani Separatist's Killing, Calls for Credible Evidence
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India has strongly rejected allegations linking its officials to the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The denial comes after a Canadian media report claimed that two Indian officials, who were posted in the country's consulate general in Vancouver, were involved in the killing. India's external affairs ministry secretary P Kumaran maintained that the allegations are 'baseless, politically motivated, and unsupported by credible evidence.' He emphasized that sensitive matters should be addressed through credible law enforcement and judicial processes, rather than public or politicized narratives. The investigation into Nijjar's killing is ongoing, and proceedings have entered the pre-trial phase. India has consistently maintained its commitment to the judicial process and is cooperating with Canadian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Canadian government expelled six Indian officials and diplomats in October 2024 for alleged involvement in violence, but India denies any wrongdoing. The country has expressed its willingness to work with Canada to address security and law enforcement concerns. India and Canada have an ongoing security and law and order dialogue, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Ottawa last month for talks. India's high commissioner Dinesh Patnaik stated that the country has nothing to worry about and wants to work with Canada to bring the perpetrators to justice. The relationship between India and Canada has been strained since former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau alleged a potential link between Indian agents and Nijjar's killing in September 2023. India dismissed the accusations as 'absurd' and 'motivated.' The two countries are discussing security and law enforcement cooperation, and a meeting in February resulted in a work plan for cooperation on national security and law enforcement issues. India and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding strategic trust and strengthening institutional cooperation.
